Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action ...

Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress 

Assessment and Action Strategies 

A brief history of Onondaga Lake 

including remediation accomplishments, 

and the Onondaga Lake Partnership’s 

strategic plan for meeting lake 

management objectives 

April 2010

Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress 

Assessment and Action Strategies 

Produced by: 

April 2010 

Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board 

126 North Salina Street, Suite 200 

Syracuse, NY 13202 

With support from the Onondaga Lake Partnership 

Members: 

Ms. Jo-Ellen Darcy - Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) 

Ms. Judith Enck - Regional Administrator, EPA Region II 

Mr. David Patterson - Governor, State of New York 

Mr. Andrew Cuomo - Attorney General, State of New York 

Ms. Joanne Mahoney - County Executive, Onondaga County 

Ms. Stephanie Miner - Mayor, City of Syracuse 

Representatives: 

LTC Daniel B. Snead - District Commander, U.S. Army Engineer District, Buffalo 

Mr. Seth Ausubel - Chief, Freshwater Protection Branch, U.S. EPA Region II 

Mr. Kenneth Lynch - Regional Director, NYSDEC Region 7 

Mr. Charles Silver - Environmental Scientist, NYS Attorney General’s Office 

Mr. David Coburn - Director, Onondaga County Office of the Environment 

Mr. Andrew M. Maxwell - Director of Planning and Sustainability, City of Syracuse 

Ex Officio: 

Senator Charles Schumer 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 

Representative Daniel Maffei 

Funding for this report was provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District in 

cooperation with the OLP. 

Cover photo sources: background - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, top inset - Onondaga Lake Partnership, bottom inset - Patti 

Rusczyk, Onondaga Lake Partnership 2004 photo contest (2nd place, adult flora and fauna category)

Statement of Purpose 

The Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) was formed to promote cooperation among government agencies 

and other parties involved in managing the environmental issues related to the rehabilitation of Onondaga 

Lake. The OLP is comprised of Federal, State, and local governments and not-for-profit representatives 

with a vested interest in the rehabilitation of Onondaga Lake. The six principal members of the OLP 

include: 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

United States Army Corps of Engineers 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

Office of the New York State Attorney General 

Onondaga County 

City of Syracuse 

The Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies (OLWPAAS) report summarizes 

the history, degradation, and recovery of Onondaga Lake. The report provides an assessment 

of the OLP’s progress toward achieving the objectives outlined in the 1993 “Onondaga Lake: A Plan for 

Action”, also known as the Onondaga Lake Management Plan (OLMP). The report recommends specific 

action strategies and identifies remaining actions to be taken by the OLP to complete the rehabilitation 

of Onondaga Lake in accordance with the OLMP. These recommendations were developed based on the 

OLMP progress assessment, and with consideration of new information and technologies available since 

the writing of the OLMP. Where possible and appropriate, potentially responsible parties are identified for 

completing planned restoration activities in the lake and its watershed. The action strategies are organized 

in eight Strategic Areas that address different aspects of lake rehabilitation. More information on the identification 

and intended purpose of the action strategies can be found in the introduction to Chapter 3. 

In addition to the OLP, there are many agencies, organizations, schools, and individuals that are taking an 

active role in the recovery of Onondaga Lake. While this document does not attempt to provide an account 

of all of these efforts, the OLP acknowledges that such initiatives also play an important role in the rehabilitation 

of the lake. 

This report was reviewed by the individual members of the Onondaga 

Lake Partnership (OLP) and approved for release to the public for 

purposes of providing general overview information. Approval for 

release does not signify adoption or approval for purposes of regulatory, 

enforcement or other legal actions, of the factual, scientific or other 

assertions, characterizations or conclusions contained herein.

Table of Contents 

List of Acronyms.............................................................................................................................................ii 

Chapter 1: Background.........................................................................................................1 

Historical Perspective.......................................................................................................................................2 

Water Management Problems...........................................................................................................................2 

Onondaga Lake Management Conference.......................................................................................................4 

Onondaga Lake Partnership.............................................................................................................................4 

Restoration Efforts............................................................................................................................................7 

A Historical Perspective: Timeline...................................................................................................................8 

Chapter 2: Onondaga Lake Management Plan Status Report....................................... 11 

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................12 

Strategic Areas 1&2: Municipal Sewer Discharge and Combined Sewer Overflows....................................12 

Strategic Areas 3&4: Industrial Pollution (National Priorities List Site and Other Adjacent Areas of Concern)................................................................................................................................................................17 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic Investigations.............................................................................................26 

Strategic Area 6: Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Fisheries Management........................................................29 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and Shoreline Use.........................................................................................34 

Strategic Area 8: Non-Point Source Pollution................................................................................................37 

Chapter 3: Onondaga Lake Watershed Action Strategies...............................................43 

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................44 

Strategic Area 1: Municipal Sewer Discharge................................................................................................44 

Strategic Area 2: Combined Sewer Overflows ..............................................................................................48 

Strategic Areas 3&4: Industrial Pollution (National Priorities List Site and Other Adjacent Areas of Concern)................................................................................................................................................................52 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic Investigations. ..........................................................................................59 

Strategic Area 6: Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Fisheries Management........................................................62 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and Shoreline................................................................................................72 

Strategic Area 8: Non-Point Source Pollution................................................................................................77 

Appendices...........................................................................................................................85 

Appendix A. Key project sites and locations in the Onondaga Lake area.....................................................86 

Appendix B. Preliminary budget needs to accomplish action strategies and recommendations...................87 

Appendix C. Glossary.....................................................................................................................................93 

Appendix D. Literature cited..........................................................................................................................97 

Appendix E. Status of Amended Consent Judgment projects......................................................................100 

Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies 

i

List of Acronyms 

ACJ 

AEM 

AMP 

ASLF 

BERA 

BMP 

BTEX 

CCE 

CSO 

EBP 

EPA 

FCF 

FDA 

FS 

GIS 

GM 

HHRA 

HSPF 

IFG 

IRM 

LCP 

LDC 

MDA 

METRO 

MGP 

Mg/L 

MS4 

NDZ 

NPL 

NPS 

NRCS 

NYS 

NYSCC 

Amended Consent Judgment 

Agricultural Environmental Management 

Ambient Monitoring Program 

Atlantic States Legal Foundation 

Baseline Environmental Risk Assessment 

Best Management Practice 

Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene 

Cornell Cooperative Extension 

Combined Sewer Overflow 

Environmental Benefit Project 

Environmental Protection Agency (US) 

Floatables Control Facility 

Food and Drug Administration 

Feasibility Study 

Geographic Information Systems 

General Motors 

Human Health Risk Assessment 

Hydrologic Simulation Program (Fortran) 

Inland Fisher Guide 

Interim Remedial Measures 

Linden Chemicals and Plastics 

Lakefront Development Corporation 

Mudboil Depression Area 

Onondaga County Metropolitan Syracuse 

Wastewater Treatment Plant 

Manufactured Gas Plant 

Milligrams per Liter 

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System 

No Discharge Zone 

National Priority List 

Non-Point Source 

Natural Resources Conservation Service 

New York State 

New York State Canal Corporation 

NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental 

Conservation 

NYSDOH New York State Department of Health 

NYSOAG New York State Office of the Attorney 

General 

OCDOT 

Onondaga County Department of 

Transportation 

OCDWEP Onondaga County Department of Water 

Environment Protection 

OCCRP 

Onondaga Creek Conceptual Revitalization 

Plan 

OCSWCD Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation 

District 

OEI 

OLCC 

OLMC 

OLMP 

OLP 

OLWQM 

OM&M 

PAH 

PCB 

PDI 

PPM 

PRP 

RFP 

RI 

RI/FS 

ROD 

RTF 

SCA 

SPDES 

Onondaga Environmental Institute 

Onondaga Lake Cleanup Corporation 

Onondaga Lake Management Conference 

Onondaga Lake Management Plan 

Onondaga Lake Partnership 

Onondaga Lake Water Quality Model 

Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring 

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon 

Polychlorinated Biphenyl 

Pre-Design Investigation 

Parts Per Million 

Potentially Responsible Party 

Request for Proposals 

Remedial Investigation 

Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study 

Record of Decision 

Regional Treatment Facility 

Sediment Consolidation Area 

State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

SUNY-ESF State University of New York College of 

Environmental Science and Forestry 

SWAMP 

SWWM 

TMDL 

TRWQM 

UFI 

USACE 

USDA 

USGS 

VOCs 

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program 

Surface Water Watershed Model 

Total Maximum Daily Load 

Three Rivers Water Quality Model 

Upstate Freshwater Institute 

United States Army Corps of Engineers 

United State Department of Agriculture 

United States Geological Survey 

Volatile Organic Compounds 

ii 

Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies

Chapter 1: Background 

Figure 1-1. Aerial view of Onondaga Lake. (Source: OLP) 

Chapter 1: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies Page 1

Historical Perspective 

Approximately 285 square miles in area, the 

Onondaga Lake Watershed (Figure 1‐2) lies almost 

entirely within Onondaga County. Onondaga 

Lake, located along the northern end of the city 

of Syracuse, is approximately one mile wide and 

4.6 miles long and covers an area of 4.6 square 

miles. The lake has an average depth of 35 feet 

and a maximum depth of 63 feet (Onondaga Lake 

Cleanup Corporation (OLCC) 2001). 

Before the American Revolution, the area 

surrounding Onondaga Lake was the center of 

the Iroquois Confederacy 1 . European immigrants 

settled the area throughout the 17 th and 18 th 

Centuries due in part to the presence of salty 

springs around Onondaga Lake. After the Erie 

Canal was built in the early 1800s, the booming 

salt industry in and around the city of Syracuse 

attracted many people (OLMC 1993). 

In the 19th Century, Onondaga Lake served as a 

popular tourist attraction. The lake was populated 

with beaches, resorts and amusement parks. 

While there has been some debate over the variety 

of aquatic species found within the lake, there 

is documentation stating the lake supported a 

healthy fishery including Atlantic salmon and lake 

sturgeon. Onondaga Lake whitefish, known as 

ciscoes, were served in restaurants from Syracuse 

to New York City (Engineering World 2007). The 

fishing and resort industry began to decline in 

the early 20 th century as the lake’s western shore 

became more industrialized. Over time, increased 

industrial development, a rising population and 

associated increases in sewage and industrial 

discharges took their toll on the water quality of 

1. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee 

Confederacy, is a union of six Nations (the 

Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora) 

that have inhabited upstate New York since before 

the arrival of Europeans. The Confederacy is traditionally 

believed to have been formed on the shores of Onondaga 

Lake. 

Onondaga Lake. By 1940, swimming in the lake 

was banned, and in 1970, fishing was banned in 

the lake (OLCC 2001). 

Water Management Problems 

The water quality in Onondaga Lake has been 

impacted by a host of pollutants from a variety of 

sources. Ammonia and phosphorus from Onondaga 

County’s Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater 

Treatment Plant (METRO) contributed to aquatic 

species decline, poor water clarity and oxygen 

depletion. Industrial activities along the lake’s 

shoreline resulted in the release of numerous contaminants 

to local surface water and ground water 

including mercury, chlorinated benzenes, ammonia 

and human-made mineral salts. Hydrogeologic 

features, such as the Tully Valley mudboils 2 , and 

landslides have contributed significant amounts 

of sediment to Onondaga Creek, impacting water 

clarity and aquatic habitat in the creek and in the 

lake. 

The establishment of the Onondaga County Metropolitan 

Sewer District in the 1950s marked the 

start of efforts to address declining water quality. 

METRO was built in 1960. The County made 

improvements to METRO in 1979, upgrading to 

secondary treatment and then to tertiary treatment 

in 1981 (OLMC 1993). 

In 1988, Atlantic States Legal Foundation (ASLF), 

a Syracuse-based organization providing legal and 

technical assistance to citizens and organizations 

dealing with environmental problems, filed a lawsuit 

against Onondaga County. ASLF alleged that 

METRO and combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges 

(see page 5) were violating federal water 

pollution standards established under the Clean 

Water Act of 1972. The State of New York joined 

as a plaintiff, alleging that Onondaga County 

2. A mudboil is an artesian-pressured geologic feature 

that discharges both ground water and fine-grained 

sediment at the land surface and can cause land-surface 

subsidence over time. 

Page 2 

Chapter 1: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies

also violated the New York State Environmental 

Conservation Law. The parties settled the litigation 

in 1989 through the METRO consent judgment, 

requiring the County to complete planning, design 

and construction of facilities to bring wastewater 

discharges from the METRO plant into compliance 

with regulatory requirements (OLMC 1993). 

In 1997, the METRO consent judgement was 

replaced when the State of New York, ASLF and 

Onondaga County reached 

an agreement on wastewater 

treatment plant and collection 

system improvements and 

a schedule for attaining 

compliance with the Clean 

Water Act by 2012. This 

agreement is known as the 

Amended Consent Judgment 

(ACJ). 

consent decree obligating Honeywell to clean 

up hazardous waste in the sediments of the Lake 

(Lake Bottom cleanup) consistent with the remedy 

selected by the New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) in a Record of Decision (ROD). The claims 

for the cleanup of Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek 

and natural resource damages remain outstanding 

but are moving toward resolution. 

In 1989, the State of 

New York filed a lawsuit 

against Allied-Signal, Inc. 

(Honeywell International, 

Inc. is the corporate successor 

of Allied-Signal) seeking to 

compel the company to clean 

up the hazardous substances 

that it and its predecessor 

companies had discharged 

into and in the environs of 

Onondaga Lake, and to pay 

damages for the destruction 

of natural resources. In 1992, 

the federal court approved a 

consent order requiring the 

company to conduct, subject 

to State supervision and 

approval, a comprehensive 

environmental study of the 

area and to evaluate the 

feasibility of various remedial 

alternatives (RI/FS). 

On January 4, 2007, the 

federal court approved a 

Figure 1-2. The Onondaga Lake Watershed. (Source: Central New York Regional 

Planning & Development Board) 


• The Attorney General of the State of New 

York (NYSOAG) 

• Onondaga County Executive 

• Mayor of the city of Syracuse, New York 

In December 1993, the OLMC released Onondaga 

Lake, A Plan For Action, which became known as 

the Onondaga Lake Management Plan (OLMP). 

This document details major pollution problems 

affecting the lake and makes recommendations for 

resolving those issues. 

The OLMC approved the ACJ in 1998 and 

resolved that the ACJ superseded the OLMP with 

regard to sewage treatment and discharge and 

CSOs. 3 

Onondaga Lake Partnership 

Figure 1-3. Cover of the Onondaga Lake Plan for Action, 

published in December 1993. (Source: OLP) 

Onondaga Lake Management 

Conference 

In 1990 the Onondaga Lake Management Conference 

(OLMC) was established by an Act of 

Congress under the Great Lakes Critical Programs 

Act. The OLMC was charged with developing and 

coordinating the implementation of “a comprehensive 

restoration, conservation, and management 

plan for Onondaga Lake” (OLMC 1993). The 

OLMC consisted of six voting members: 

• Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil 

Works (USACE) 

• Administrator of the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) 

• Governor of the State of New York (represented 

by New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)) 

In 1999, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) 

was established by an Act of Congress under 

the Water Resource Development Act. Although 

the OLP replaced the OLMC, its membership is 

comprised of the same six key members that made 

up the OLMC. Under leadership of the USACE, 

the OLP works with various other local, state, 

and regional member organizations including the 

following: 

• Natural Resources Conservation Service 

• US Geological Survey 

• New York State Department of Housing 

and Urban Development 

• New York State Canal Corporation 

• Central New York Regional Planning and 

Development Board 

• Onondaga County Soil and Water 

Conservation District 

• Metropolitan Development Association 

• Lakefront Development Corporation 

3. On April 29, 1998 the OLMC approved the ACJ with 

OLMC Resolution #98-2. In September 1999, the OLMC 

passed Resolution #99-1, endorsing the ACJ and ceremonially 

appending the 1993 OLMP. 

Page 4 


• Cornell Cooperative Extension of 

Onondaga County 

• State University of New York College of 

Environmental Science and Forestry 

• Atlantic States Legal Foundation 

• Onondaga Historical Association 

• League of Women Voters 

• Izaak Walton League 

The mission of the OLP is to facilitate and coordinate 

the development and implementation of lake 

and watershed improvement projects to restore 

and conserve water quality, natural resources and 

recreational uses to the benefit of the public. The 

actions and efforts of the OLP are to be consistent 

with the Onondaga Lake Management Plan and 

the Amended Consent Judgment. 

Using the 1993 Onondaga Lake, A Plan for Action 

as its foundation, the OLP identified eight strategic 

planning areas to focus the restoration efforts. The 

following summarizes each of those strategic areas 

and major concerns: 

1. 

Municipal Sewer Discharge 

METRO is an advanced wastewater treatment 

facility serving the city of Syracuse and several 

surrounding municipalities. Treated domestic 

and industrial wastes discharge from a pipe at 

METRO directly into the lake, contributing up 

to 20% of the total annual inflow to Onondaga 

Figure 1-4. Combined Sewer Overflow. 

(Source: Onondaga County) 

2. 

3. 

Lake. METRO has been one of the most 

significant contributors of nutrient pollution to 

Onondaga Lake, historically contributing up to 

approximately 60% of the annual phosphorus 

load and over 90% of the ammonia load to the 

lake (OLMC 1993). 

Combined Sewer Overflows 

In Syracuse, like many older cities, the sewer 

systems were built to jointly convey sewage 

and stormwater. Wastewater entering METRO 

is disinfected, killing bacteria and viruses. 

During periods of heavy precipitation and 

increased runoff, excess flow from combined 

sewers is diverted from METRO and 

discharged without treatment into tributaries of 

Onondaga Lake through flow-relief structures 

called combined sewer overflows (CSOs). 

When the OLMP was released in 1993, there 

were over 60 CSOs discharging into Onondaga 

Lake tributaries (OLMC 1993). 

Industrial: National Priorities List (NPL) Site 

and Sub-sites 

Since the late 1800s, areas near Onondaga 

Lake have been the location for widespread 

industrial and chemical manufacturing 

activities. A number of entities, including 

Allied-Signal, Inc., General Motors and 

the Salina Town Landfill, are responsible 

for significant pollution of the lake and 

surrounding area. From 1882 until 1986, 

Allied-Signal and its predecessors discharged 

wastes containing mercury, salt wastes, 

ammonia, benzene and chlorinated benzenes 

into the lake. 

General Motors discharged industrial 

pollutants, including PCBs from a partsmanufacturing 

facility located along Ley 

Creek. Some industrial wastes were disposed 

in the Salina Town Landfill (Lizlovs 2005). 

There are currently eight sub-sites identified 

on the EPA National Priorities List associated 

with the industrial contamination of Onondaga 

Lake. Investigation and/or cleanup of these 


4. 

eight sub-sites is being performed under legal 

agreement with the NYSDEC. 

Industrial: Non-NPL Sites 

While the most significant industrial 

contamination is associated with NPL sites 

described above, several other industrial 

contamination sites not currently associated 

with the Superfund sites are being addressed 

by the NYSDEC. These sites vary from former 

coal gasification facilities to industrial waste 

disposal areas located within the watershed. 

5. 

Hydrogeologic Investigations 

The southern part of the Onondaga Creek 

Valley, known as the Tully Valley, is the home 

of unique hydrogeologic features known as 

mudboils. Mudboils are geologic features 

that discharge fresh to salty water and finegrained 

sediment. The mudboils are thought 

to be natural geologic features, but increased 

mudboil activity starting in the 1950s has been 

attributed to Allied Signal’s former solutionmining 

activities in the southern part of the 

Tully Valley (OLCC 2001). 

In the 1990s, much of the Onondaga Creek 

streambed downstream of the mudboils, was 

covered with mudboil-derived sediments as 

the mudboils contributed approximately 30 

tons of sediment per day to the creek (OLCC 

2001). Other sources of sediment to the creek 

include landslides in the Tully Valley area 

and streambank and roadbank erosion during 

storms and other runoff events. 

6. 

Habitat and Fisheries 

Figure 1-5. Geology of Onondaga County, showing the 

location of Tully Valley. (Source: USGS) 

As a result of the extensive pollution to the 

lake, fish populations significantly declined 

in the 20 th century. High phosphorus levels 

promoted algae blooms, which resulted in 

reduced oxygen levels. These conditions 

caused species such as smallmouth bass and 

walleye pike to migrate out of the lake and 

into the Seneca River. Species that remained 

in the lake were labeled unsafe for human 

consumption. The State of New York closed 

Onondaga Lake to fishing because of mercury 

contamination in 1970. In 1986, the lake 

Page 6 


7. 

was reopened on a “catch and release” basis. 

The New York State Department of Health 

(NYSDOH) updated its prior advisory in 

1999, allowing fish to be kept, but advised 

consumption of no more than one caught 

fish meal per month, with the exception of 

walleye, which were not to be eaten. In 2007, 

a new health advisory was issued banning the 

consumption of largemouth and smallmouth 

bass over 15 inches and all walleye (Onondaga 

County Department of Water Environment 

Protection (OCDWEP) 2006). It is 

recommended that anglers limit consumption 

of carp, channel catfish, white perch and all 

other species to no more than one meal per 

month. Women of childbearing age, children 

and infants are advised not to eat any fish from 

the lake (NYSDOH 2007). 

Inner Harbor and Shoreline Use 

After more than one hundred years of 

concentrated industrial and manufacturing 

practices along the lakeshore, there is 

community-wide interest in the restoration of 

Onondaga Lake and its watershed. The OLMP, 

however, focuses not only on improving the 

water quality of the lake, but also emphasizes 

the need to provide area residents with 

improved, safe recreation and entertainment 

8. 

opportunities, fishing access, and wildlife 

viewing (OLMC 1993). 

Non-Point Source Pollution 

Pollutants carried by stormwater runoff are 

an ongoing issue impacting the lake and its 

tributaries. Pesticides, petroleum products, 

road salt, fertilizers and sediment from 

urban and rural sources in the watershed 

are transported into the lake by the various 

tributaries and direct municipal storm sewer 

outfall discharges. 

Restoration Efforts 

A combination of factors, including the closing 

of Allied-Signal in 1986, the 1988 ASLF lawsuit, 

the 1989 State lawsuit, and a growing public 

awareness of the need to remediate the effects of 

past practices, set forth a path of focused efforts 

to restore and protect Onondaga Lake and its 

watershed. 

Remediation work is ongoing in all eight areas 

outlined above. To date, over forty restoration 

projects have been completed, and many more are 

currently underway or planned for completion. 

The timeline on the following pages illustrates 

some of the major projects accomplished and milestones 

achieved throughout the life of the OLMC 

and OLP restoration efforts. 

Figure 1-6. Syracuse Inner Harbor. (Source: City of 

Syracuse) 


A Historical 

1988 

►► Atlantic States Legal Foundation 

initiates a lawsuit against Onondaga 

County, alleging violations of Federal 

water pollution standards. 

1989 

►► State of New York initiates a lawsuit 

against Allied-Signal, Inc. to compel 

cleanup of hazardous substances and 

obtain natural resource damages. 

1990 

►► Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan 

initiates legislation in the Great Lakes 

Critical Programs Act of 1990 creating 

the Onondaga Lake Management 

Conference (OLMC) to develop a plan 

that recommends priority corrective 

actions for restoration, conservation, 

and management of Onondaga Lake. 

1992 

►► A federal court approves a consent 

order for study of industrial pollution 

and development of a cleanup plan. 

1993 

►► The Onondaga Lake Management 

Conference (OLMC) drafts A Plan for 

Action, on which the Onondaga Lake 

Management Plan (OLMP) is based. 

1994 

►► The OLMC begins aquatic habitat 

restoration projects in Onondaga Lake. 

►► Onondaga Lake is added to the 

Federal Superfund National Priorities 

List (NPL). 

1995 

►► The OLMC implements mudboil 

remediation projects to reduce flow of 

sediment to Onondaga Creek. 

1997 

►► New York State, Atlantic States Legal 

Foundation and Onondaga County 

reach an agreement, the Amended 

Consent Judgment (ACJ), on municipal 

wastewater collection and treatment 

improvements and a schedule to attain 

compliance with the Clean Water Act. 

1998 

►► A federal judge approves the ACJ 

ordering municipal wastewater collection 

and treatment improvements. 

The ACJ is a multi-year program with 

projects extending until 2012. 

1999 

►► The ACJ is incorporated into the 

OLMP. 

►► The New York State Department of 

Health (NYSDOH) lifts the advisory 

on eating certain species of fish 

(bass, white perch and catfish) from 

Onondaga Lake. The NYSDOH maintains 

a health advisory recommending 

anglers limit consumption to one meal 

per month. The advisory to eat no 

walleye remains in effect. Women of 

childbearing age, infants and children 

under the age of 15 are advised not to 

eat any fish from the lake. 

►► Congressman James T. Walsh initiates 

legislation in the Water Resource 

Development Act of 1999 that replaces 

the OLMC with the Onondaga Lake 

Partnership (OLP). The OLP, led by the 

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, is tasked 

with implementing projects consistent 

with the OLMP. 

►► Allied-Signal, Inc. merges with 

Honeywell, Inc. and changes its name 

to Honeywell International, Inc. 

2000 

►► The OLP holds an inaugural ceremony 

on the shore of Onondaga Lake on 

August 9, 2000. 

2001 

►► The OLP holds its first Annual 

Progress Meeting on October 29, 2001. 

Senior Partners update the community 

on the progress of the lake remediation 

effort. 

►► The last oil tanks are removed from 

the “Oil City” area near the Inner 

Harbor and remediation efforts begin. 

2002 

►► The OLP announces a new minigrant 

program, awarding $25,000 in 

grant awards for community-based 

education and stewardship projects 

associated with the Onondaga Lake 

watershed. 

►► The first Annual Onondaga Lake Day 

is held on June 8, 2002. 

►► The Onondaga County Department 

of Water Environment Protection 

launches the Angler’s Diary program 

inviting anglers to help assess the 

improvements in the lake. The public 

assists in monitoring lake improvements 

by recording the numbers, species 

and locations of fish caught. 

►► The New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) 

issues a remedial investigation report 

detailing the extent of contamination 

within the lake and assessing the risk 

to humans and the environment based 

on an extensive 10-year remedial 

investigation performed by Honeywell 

International. 

2003 

►► Construction is completed on the 

Brighton Sewer Separation Project. 

2004 

►► Six streambank restoration projects 

are completed under the Rural 

Non-Point Source Pollution Best

Pe r s p e c t i v e 

Management Practices program. These 

projects help protect eroding streambanks 

and slow water current in order 

to reduce sedimentation and improve 

water clarity within Onondaga Creek. 

2005 

►► The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) issues a National Remedy 

Review Board decision encouraging an 

open dialogue and close coordination 

between NYSDEC and other parties, 

including the Onondaga Nation, concerning 

the proposed remediation plan 

for Onondaga Lake. 

►► NYSDEC and EPA issue a Record of 

Decision outlining remediation plans 

for Onondaga Lake’s industrial pollution 

concerns. 

►► Onondaga County’s Metropolitan 

Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant 

(METRO) reaches Stage 3 Ammonia 

limit goal as set forth in ACJ eight years 

ahead of the scheduled deadline. 

Ammonia levels remain at safe levels 

for even the most sensitive aquatic 

organisms. 

►► OLP holds 5th Annual Progress 

Meeting. 

►► Honeywell International, Inc. 

removes over eight tons of mercury 

from the Linden Chemicals and Plastics 

property through soil washing, preventing 

mercury contamination from 

the site from entering the lake. 

2006 

►► Honeywell International, Inc. 

completes a groundwater treatment 

plant at the former Allied Chemical, 

Willis Avenue site. The groundwater 

collection system will be an underground 

barrier about one and one-half 

miles long that blocks contaminated 

groundwater from reaching the lake. 

►► Phosphorus release from METRO 

to Onondaga Lake is reduced from 

200 pounds per day to 50 pounds 

per day (a 75 percent reduction) with 

completion of an upgraded phosphorus 

removal facility. 

►► City of Syracuse completes Phase I of 

Valley Drive Sewer Separation Project. 

2007 

►► Federal court approves consent 

decree obligating Honeywell to implement 

the NYSDEC/EPA cleanup plan for 

the lake bottom’s industrial pollution. 

►► The 2007 Bassmasters Majors 

Tournament, involving the world’s top 

52 anglers, is hosted at Onondaga Lake, 

attracting bass fishermen from around 

the country and world. 

►► NYSDOH updates health advisory 

banning the consumption of largemouth 

and smallmouth bass and 

walleye. Other existing advisories are 

maintained. 

►► Wetlands restoration at former 

Linden Chemical and Plastics (LCP) 

site is completed. Nearly 12,000 trees 

and plants are introduced to restore 

wetlands and habitat in the Onondaga 

Lake watershed. 

►► State University of New York 

College of Environmental Science and 

Forestry (SUNY ESF) and Honeywell 

International, Inc. harvest one acre of 

shrub willows on Solvay Settling Basin 

#13 in Camillus. The shrub willows help 

filter contamination from the groundwater 

in the waste beds. 

►► Honeywell International, Inc. signs 

a Consent Decree to perform the 

Remedial Design and Remedial Action 

for the Onondaga Lake Bottom Site. 

2008 

►► Honeywell International, Inc. begins 

second phase construction of the 

groundwater barrier wall along the 

Willis/Causeway section of the lake. 

►► North American Fishing Club 

names Onondaga Lake one of the 

United States’ top ten bass fishing 

destinations. 

►► Working with ASLF, Onondaga 

Nation, and NYSDEC, Onondaga County 

obtains a moratorium on construction 

of the proposed treatment facilities 

so that alternative methodologies, 

including green infrastructure, could 

be evaluated as part of the CSO abatement 

program. 

►► A Microbial Trackdown program 

is implemented to identify sources 

of bacteria to Onondaga Creek and 

Harbor Brook. 

2009 

►► The draft Onondaga Creek 

Conceptual Revitalization Plan is 

released for public review. 

►► NYSDEC issues final Remedial Design 

Work Plan for the Onondaga Lake 

Bottom NPL subsite. NYSDEC and EPA 

issue decision documents outlining 

remediation plans for the Geddes 

Brook/Ninemile Creek site. 

►► NYSDEC issues a Citizen Participation 

Plan designed to enhance public input 

and involvement in the Onondaga Lake 

Bottom cleanup project. 

►► A Fourth Amendment to the ACJ is 

adopted and approved by the federal 

court, incorporating green infrastructure 

methodologies into the CSO 

abatement process.

Page 10 


Chapter 2: Onondaga Lake Management Plan Status Report 

Figure 2-1. Sunset on Onondaga Lake. (Source: 2002 OLP Photo Contest, photo by Paul Sanford) 


Introduction 

In December 1993, the Onondaga Lake Management 

Conference (OLMC) released the Onondaga 

Lake Management Plan (OLMP). The plan 

outlines the major environmental problems facing 

the lake and makes recommendations for its 

restoration. The Water Resources Development 

Act tasked the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) 

with developing and implementing water quality 

improvement projects for the lake and surrounding 

watershed. As stated in Chapter 1, the OLMC 

identified eight major strategic areas: Municipal 

Sewer Discharge, Combined Sewer Overflows 

(CSOs), Industrial National Priorities List (NPL) 

site and sub-sites, Industrial non-NPL sites, Hydrogeologic 

Investigations, Habitat and Fisheries, 

Inner Harbor and Shoreline Use, and Non-Point 

Source Pollution. Using these strategic areas, the 

OLP set major cleanup goals in its effort to restore 

the lake, its tributaries and the watershed. Over the 

past eight years, more than 40 restoration projects 

have been completed, and there are over 20 active 

projects being implemented. 

This report presents the eight strategic areas by a 

general description of the pollution problems, the 

recommendations made by the OLMP, the strategies 

utilized for remediation, progress made, and 

the need for future remediation efforts. Additional 

requirements for Onondaga County’s Metropolitan 

Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant (METRO) 

sewer discharge and combined sewer overflows are 

outlined in the 1997 Amended Consent Judgment 

(ACJ). Remediation requirements for properties 

owned or affected by Honeywell International, 

General Motors, Niagara Mohawk/National 

Grid, and the town of Salina are discussed in the 

Records of Decision and various Consent Orders 

pertaining to those sites. These items are discussed 

within their corresponding strategic area. Since 

the requirements for correction of water quality 

problems related to Municipal Sewer Discharge 

and Combined Sewer Overflows are both impacted 

by the ACJ, these two strategic areas are combined 

for clarity purposes. Similarly, NPL and non-NPL 

industrial sites are discussed together in one 

section concerning industrial pollution; all of the 

sites in both strategic areas are subject to consent 

orders that identify potentially responsible parties 

and outline the requirements to which those parties 

must adhere. 

Strategic Areas 1&2: Municipal Sewer 

Discharge and Combined Sewer 

Overflows 

History 

METRO services the wastewater treatment needs 

of the city of Syracuse and several surrounding 

communities. Built in the 1960s, the plant was 

upgraded in 1979 and again in 1981 to provide 

more complete removal of pollutants. Following 

these upgrades, Onondaga Lake continued 

to show excessively high levels of ammonia 

and phosphorus, resulting in high toxicity, algae 

blooms, decreased oxygen, and poor water clarity. 

The 1997 ACJ addressed strategies for handling 

ammonia, which has been shown to interfere with 

the reproduction and migration of fish, and phosphorus, 

which leads to algae growth and oxygen 

depletion. 

In 1988, a lawsuit was filed by Atlantic States 

Legal Foundation against Onondaga County, 

alleging that METRO and CSO discharges violated 

Federal Water Pollution Standards. The State of 

New York joined as a plaintiff, and the parties 

endeavored to settle the litigation in 1989 through 

the METRO consent judgment. In 1997, the prior 

METRO consent judgment was superseded when 

the parties reached an agreement on wastewater 

treatment plant and collection system improvements 

and a schedule for attaining compliance 

with the Clean Water Act by 2012. This agreement 

is known as the ACJ. 

Throughout the city of Syracuse, there are sewers 

that carry both sanitary sewage and stormwater 

from streets. During dry weather, these sewers 

Page 12 


carry all sanitary sewage to METRO; however, 

during intense rainfalls, the amount of stormwater 

entering the combined sewer system exceeds the 

system’s capacity, resulting in overflow and discharges 

of untreated wastewater (stormwater and 

sanitary sewage) into the tributaries of Onondaga 

Lake. The frequency with which CSOs actually 

occur varies from one CSO discharge location 

to the next, but generally ranges from only a few 

times per year to as many as 60 times per year. 

CSOs are a major contributor of bacteria, floating 

trash, organic material, solids and grit to the lake 

and its tributaries. Elevated bacteria concentrations 

in Onondaga Lake can occur for up to three days 

following a storm event. 

Floating trash and debris is a concern in Onondaga 

Lake and its tributaries. Floating trash is not only 

an aesthetic problem, it can also have chemical 

and biological impacts including interference with 

the growth of aquatic plants, leaching of pollutants 

from trash, and hazards to wildlife through 

ingestion or entanglement. Debris often enters 

Onondaga Lake and its tributaries through CSOs 

and storm sewers, but also is blown by wind into 

the waterways. 

Recommendations from the OLMP 

The OLMC made the following recommendations 

concerning METRO and CSOs in 1993: 

•• An out-of-lake discharge of wastewater currently 

treated at METRO is endorsed. At the present time, the 

most promising discharge alternatives include a diversion 

of some influent flow to an expanded Baldwinsville-Seneca 

Knolls treatment facility, and a diversion 

of the remaining METRO effluent to the Seneca River 

below the Onondaga Lake Outlet. Effluent limitations 

for both discharges should be defined through the use 

of the Onondaga Lake and Seneca River water quality 

models. The diversion should be implemented as soon 

as possible. 

•• Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse should 

coordinate any construction activity relating to the 

renovation of METRO so as to minimize, to the extent 

possible, any negative impact on lakefront development 

and the surrounding community. 

•• Onondaga County should implement a pilot 

project to test CSO control technology. The project 

should consist of the design and construction of two 

CSO storage and treatment facilities. Onondaga County 

should seek sources of funding including the Water 

Resources and Development Act of 1992 to the extent 

available to support this effort. 

•• Using appropriate treatment methods, Onondaga 

County should provide additional storage and/or 

treatment facilities to control remaining CSOs. The 

remediation of the CSOs should be implemented as 

soon as possible. 

•• The city of Syracuse and Onondaga County should 

work together to design and construct engineering 

solutions to eliminate floatables and silt in Onondaga 

Creek over the next several years. The U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers should assist consistent with its authority. 

•• Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse should 

coordinate to ensure, to the extent possible, that CSO 

treatment projects are compatible with plans by the 

city and the New York State Thruway Authority for 

development of the Inner Harbor. 

Requirements of the ACJ 

The purpose of the ACJ was to improve the water 

quality of Onondaga Lake and to assure the 

County’s compliance with all state and federal 

water quality regulations. Over 30 projects were 

scheduled for completion within a 15-year period. 

The ACJ set time schedules for specific tasks, such 

as completion of environmental review, beginning 

of construction, and start of operations. The 

various projects under the ACJ are divided into 

three main categories: Improvements to METRO; 

CSO Construction; Ambient Monitoring Program. 

The OLMC passed a resolution in 1998 amending 

the OLMP to incorporate the ACJ and adopt its 

objectives as an integral part of the OLMP. There- 


fore, it is important to note that as amendments to 

the ACJ occur, the OLMP is likewise amended. 

Improvements to METRO 

Since METRO has been identified as the main 

contributor of phosphorus and ammonia in the 

lake, the ACJ requires Onondaga County to 

upgrade the ammonia and phosphorus treatment 

of the wastewater discharges from the METRO 

plant. The ACJ calls for a three-phase reduction of 

ammonia and phosphorus in the effluent. 

METRO Phase I 

Phase I called for “no net increase” on existing 

effluent limits for ammonia discharged from 

METRO through May 1, 2004, and “no net 

increase” on existing effluent limits for phosphorus 

discharged from METRO through April 1, 2006. 

METRO Phase II 

Phase II required that METRO meet a 30-day 

average interim ammonia effluent limit of 2 milligrams 

per liter (mg/L) in the summer and 4 mg/L 

in the winter no later than May 1, 2004. To meet 

this limit, the County constructed an ammonia 

reduction facility. 

METRO was required to meet a 12-month rolling 

average interim phosphorus limit of 0.12 mg/L, no 

later than April 1, 2006. 

that on any given day, the average level over the 

preceding 12 months cannot have exceeded the 

limit.) In the event that this capacity cannot be 

demonstrated, a diversion of flow from METRO 

to the Seneca River or implementation of other 

engineering alternative that results in compliance 

with water quality standards must be completed by 

December 31, 2015. 

CSO Construction 

The ACJ required the County to address 66 CSOs 

(this number was later revised to 70 CSOs) and 

to construct two Regional Treatment Facilities 

(RTFs) and multiple Floatables Control Facilities 

(FCFs). RTFs are designed to receive sewage 

flows from several CSOs during high flow events 

and remove floatables, nutrients, and other pollutants 

either by storage of the overflow volume 

itself or by passing the discharge through a water 

treatment unit within the facility. FCFs are structures 

and/or equipment that remove floating debris 

(including trash, waste matter, and other objects) 

from sewer discharges using net bags, screens, or 

other devices. 

Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) 

The ACJ requires Onondaga County to monitor 

conditions of the lake, its tributaries and the 

Seneca River to evaluate how improvements to 

METRO Phase III 

Phase III requires METRO to meet a final 30-day 

average effluent limit for ammonia of 1.2 mg/L in 

the summer and 2.4 mg/L in the winter, no later 

than December 1, 2012. 

Under Phase III, Onondaga County is also 

required to demonstrate by December 31, 2011 

that METRO will be able to meet a final effluent 

limit for phosphorus of 0.02 mg/L, measured as a 

12-month rolling average, on or before December 

31, 2015. (A 12-month rolling average means 

Figure 2-2. 

Aerial view of new facility at METRO. 

(Source: OCDWEP) 

Page 14 


Phosphorus is the key nutrient supporting algal growth. Too much phosphorus causes excessive algal growth, 

which turns the lake water green and cloudy and contributes to low oxygen levels. 

Phosphorus Discharged 

authorized Summer the use of Phosphorus green infrastructure Levels in in 

to Onondaga Lake from Metro 

combination Onondaga with traditional Lake Upper engineering Waters practices 

600 

(grey 140 infrastructure) to reduce CSO volume during 

500 

120 

wet weather. Green infrastructure involves the use 

400 

100 

Onondaga Lake of existing 80 landscape features, soils, and vegetation 

to 60capture or infiltrate stormwater runoff, 

Page 3 

Progress 300 Report: July, 2009 

200 

40 

How have 100 improvements in wastewater treatment affected thereby reducing the volume of flow contributing 

20 ammonia levels in Onondaga Lake? 

0 

to CSOs. 0 In recognition of the anticipated volume 

High concentrations of ammonia can be harmful to sensitive reduction aquatic that life, will such be achieved as young through fish. Onondaga the use County 

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 

has completed major upgrades 

Year 

at the Metro plant that reduced of green the infrastructure, amount of ammonia-N the 2009 Year ACJ discharged amendment to the lake 

from the treatment plant. An advanced treatment system eliminated came the on-line requirement in 2004; for Onondaga as a result, County ammonia-N 

concentrations Improvements Figure 2-3. in Average at the the lake Metro daily have phosphorus plant declined have discharge reduced and meet from phosphorus 

discharges METRO, 1990-2008. to the lake (Source: from the OCDWEP) treatment plant Creek, plant have as well resulted as on in State substantially Fair Boulevard lower phosphorus adjacent 

state standards to Reductions construct developed in RTFs phosphorus in Armory for protection discharges Square of on from aquatic Onondaga the life. Metro 

by more than 80%. Since the advanced treatment 

concentrations in the lake water in recent years, down to 

Ammonia-N Discharged 

to Harbor Brook. System-wide, on an average 

system was completed in 2005, loading has been less 15 ppb in 2008, 

Annual 

comparable 

Ammonia-N 

to Oneida 

Levels 

Lake. 

in 

to Onondaga Lake from Metro 

annual basis, Onondaga CSO volume Lake will Upper be gradually Waters 

than 100 10,000 lbs per day. 

3.0 

reduced by 95 percent by December 31, 2018. 

pounds per day 

pounds per day 

8,000 

2.0 

6,000 

1.5 

4,000 

Phosphorus Loading to ACJ Onondaga Progress 

1.0 

Lake: and Effects on Lake Water 

2,000 

Metro and Watershed Quality Sources 0.5 

0 

0.0 

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 METRO has 90improved 92 94 its 96capacity 98 00to 02 safely, 04 efficiently 

and Metro effectively treat wastewater over the 

06 08 

Year 

Year 

39% 

26% 

6 1% 

past two decades. Watershed Treatment improvement projects 

Figure 2-4. Average daily ammonia discharge from 

74% 

How have improvements METRO, 1990-2008. in (Source: wastewater OCDWEP) collection and included treatment an odor affected control bacteria upgrade, levels aeration in the system lake? 

Areas of Syracuse are served by combined sewer systems upgrade, (CSOs) digital which system carry improvements, both sewage and increased storm runoff. 

These METRO pipes and can the overflow CSOs effect during the 1990-2004 periods quality of of heavy water rain 2008 and capacity snowmelt, for chemical allowing storage a mixture and of feed stormwater facilities, and raw 

sewage in the to lake flow and into river. creeks The ACJ and specifies ultimately the reach objectives 

of the program, types of monitoring to be 

Onondaga digester Lake. modifications, Monitoring data and advanced document ammonia elevated and bacteria 

levels phosphorus removal. 

With during the recent wet improvements weather. Onondaga at the Metro County plant, continues runoff from to the implement watershed contributes projects, including the majority treatment of phosphorus facilities, to to 

control conducted Onondaga storm Lake. and runoff defines Prior and to a 2005, combined schedule the Metro for sewer the plant program. overflows. contributed approximately County officials 60% of recently the yearly have phosphorus begun load. evaluating the 

As a result of the advanced ammonia removal 

potential use of “green” infrastructure to help manage urban storm runoff. Green infrastructure encourages 

project, Onondaga County met the final Phase III 

infiltration, Amendments capture, to ACJ and reuse of storm runoff before it enters the sewer system. Monitoring data have also 

effluent requirements for ammonia in 2004. The 

identified elevated 

An amendment Summer bacteria 

to the Algal ACJ Bloom levels 

in December Frequency in streams during dry weather in certain 

2006 County has Minimum areas. 

also met Oxygen A cooperative 

the requirement Concentration program, funded 

to reduce 

by the 

suspended 

Onondaga 

a Measured previously 

Lake Partnership as required Chlorophyll-a oxygenation 

and Onondaga 

demonstration 

sources project of bacteria, 

County, is underway of Upper to Waters identify in and October remediate these dry 

the phosphorus 10 level to 0.12 mg/L, as required 

weather 100% 

80% 

for the No lake. blooms which This in may 1995 decision include or 2008 was leaky pipes and/or illicit connections. 

in Phase 8 II. Figures 2-3 and 2-4 show the decline 

based 60% on data from the AMP, which demonstrated in phosphorus and ammonia discharged from 

40% 

Fecal Coliform Bacteria, April-October 2008 

Fecal Coliform Bacteria Summer 

6 

that 20% the Percent lake’s oxygen of months levels in compliance had significantly 

with METRO in Geometric recent years. Average Concentration 

4 

improved. 0% The 2002006 cells/100 amendment ml standard also included 

250 

changes 90allowing 92 94for 96the 98 consolidation 00 02 04of the 06 08 The original 2200 

South End 

Maple Bay, 

Willow Bay, 100% 

ACJ outlined a plan to address 66 

ammonia 100% 

and phosphorus Year removal facilities, use CSOs. That 0150 

North End 

number was later revised to 70 CSOs. 

Onondaga Lake Park, 100% 

of a skimmer boat in the Inner Harbor rather than As of February 100 90 92008, 94 12 96CSOs 98 00 were 02eliminated, 

04 06 08 

Minor bloom (>15 ppb) Major bloom (>30 ppb) 

Year 

a boom in Onondaga Creek, and the design and 11 were addressed 50 to accommodate peak discharge 

Bloody Brook, 100% 

construction of a CSO abatement plan for Harbor of a one-year 0 storm, and 4 CSOs were addressed 

Less phosphorus Ninemile, 

in the lake has resulted in fewer and Until recently, low oxygen in October was one of the 

less Brook severe that 100% 

includes algal blooms. conveyances Less algae and regional also means through most significant FCFs. 99 Improvements 00 01 02 

water quality to 03 

problems the 04 Kirkpatrick 05 06 07 08 

in Onondaga 

Ley Creek, 

Year 

clearer treatment water facilities. and more oxygen for aquatic life. 

Street Lake. Pumping Recent improvements Station and an in upgrade oxygen to mean the Erie 

better 

Westside Wastebeds, 

100% 

100% 

Boulevard habitat for Storage aquatic System life. The have NYSDEC been completed Ambient Water 

An additional amendment to the ACJ in 2009 along Quality with minimum the construction standard is of 4 ppm. four FCFs. The 

Bacteria levels are higher at the southern region of Onon- 

North 

Harbor Brook, 

Mid-south, 

daga Lake, close to the major inflows, as compared to the 

86% 

100% 

northern regions. The good news is that bacteria levels at 

Chapter 2: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment the and northern Action stations Strategies and the lake outlet are Page consistently 15 

This figure displays the 2008 data in detail. The fecal coliform 

bacteria standard of 200 cells per 100 ml of lake water, calcu- 

parts per billion 

parts per 

million 

parts per 

million 

Concentration 

(cells/100 ml) 

2.5 

very low. The previous ten years of summer measurements, 

the period of major recreational use, are displayed above.

FCFs are located at Franklin Street, Maltbie Street, 

Harbor Brook and Teall Brook at the Inner Harbor. 

The FCFs intercept millions of tons of debris from 

discharging into Onondaga Creek, Harbor Brook 

and Ley Creek. Construction work at the Midland 

Regional Storage and Treatment Facility was completed 

in June 2008 to address 3 CSOs. 

As described above, the projects that have been 

undertaken so far have had a positive impact on 

the health of the lake and its tributaries. Data 

indicates that ammonia and phosphorus concentrations 

in the lake have declined as a direct result 

of the METRO treatment plant improvements. 

The higher oxygen levels documented in the lake 

in recent years suggest the lake is providing a 

healthier habitat for aquatic life. The AMP has 

shown that the lake supports an abundant fish 

community with an increasing number of species. 

Aquatic plants are increasing, and the lake is 

starting to resemble other lakes of similar size with 

respect to plant abundance, number of fish species 

and summertime water clarity (Onondaga County 

Department of Water Environment Protection 

(OCDWEP) 2007b). 

While there has been significant progress improving 

the health of the lake and its tributaries, there 

are no public swimming beaches. New York State 

Department of Health (NYSDOH) current requirements 

include a four-foot water clarity standard 

Figure 2-5. Skimmer vessel used to remove debris in 

the Inner Harbor. (Source: OCDWEP) 

for bathing beaches, as well as criteria for bacteria 

concentrations. Results from the AMP show 

that these standards are not achieved at all times 

(OCDWEP 2007b). The percent of measurements 

in compliance with standards varies by monitoring 

location, but ranged from 50 to 75 percent for the 

year 2006, with conditions generally improving 

from the southern part of the lake to the north end. 

In 2008, bacteria measurements were in compliance 

in all locations except the extreme southern 

end of the lake, where they exceeded standards 14 

percent of the time (OCDWEP 2009). Wet weather 

tends to negatively impact both criteria. 

Future Restoration Efforts 

Onondaga County continues to work toward the 

goals set forth in the ACJ. Currently, METRO 

has reached a phosphorus effluent limit of 0.12 

mg/L. The County plans to coordinate its efforts to 

attain the Phase III phosphorus requirement with 

NYSDEC’s update of the Onondaga Lake Total 

Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), which is planned 

for 2011. The Phase III requirement must be 

achieved by 2015. 

The Combined Sewer Overflow program continues 

to progress. Currently, of the 70 CSOs 

identified, 35 remain to be addressed. The County 

is working with parties to the ACJ to advance 

pilot projects that will further develop the best 

application of green infrastructure to meet CSO 

volume reduction requirements. Part of Onondaga 

County’s green infrastructure program involves 

public education to improve implementation and 

maintenance of green infrastructure on private 

property in the affected drainage areas. The 2009 

amendment to the ACJ calls for the construction 

of a 3.2 million gallon storage facility in place 

of a full-scale RTF at Armory Square, and a 

3.7 million gallon storage facility on State Fair 

Boulevard, along with replacement of the Harbor 

Brook Interceptor. These facilities, along with 

green infrastructure projects, will be constructed in 

place of the much larger RTFs that were originally 

proposed. As an additional requirement of the 

Page 16 


2009 amendment, CSO 044 must be connected via 

a new conveyance pipe to the existing Midland 

RTF, which was constructed in 2008. 

As progress continues on the ACJ projects, water 

quality monitoring in the lake will continue. Four 

progress indicators will be used: suitability for 

water contact recreation, visual attractiveness, 

support of a balanced community of plants and 

animals and compliance with water quality standards. 

A list of the ACJ projects and their status as 

of December 2009 is found in Appendix E. 

Strategic Areas 3&4: Industrial Pollution 

(National Priorities List Site and Other 

Adjacent Areas of Concern) 

History 

The Onondaga Lake shoreline has been the site of 

industrial and chemical manufacturing activities 

for over 125 years. From 1882 through 1986, 

Allied-Signal (formerly, Solvay Process Company 

and currently, Honeywell International Inc.) 

discharged a host of wastes, including mercury, 

salt wastes, ammonia, benzene, and chlorinated 

benzenes. From 1947 through 1979, Allied-Signal 

operated chlor-alkali plants utilizing mercury 

electrodes in the production of chlorine. According 

to the OLMP, during this same time period, 

Allied-Signal discharged mercury into Geddes 

Brook, Nine Mile Creek, and Onondaga Lake. In 

1994, the United States Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) named Onondaga Lake to the 

National Priorities List (NPL), under the Superfund 

law. 

The Onondaga Lake NPL site is made up of eight 

sub-sites (Figure 2-6), including the bottom of the 

lake itself and seven locations nearby that have 

been linked to the pollution of the lake. The subsites 

are known as Onondaga Lake Bottom, Semet 

Residue Ponds, Willis Avenue, Linden Chemical 

and Plastics (LCP) Bridge Street, Wastebed B/ 

Harbor Brook, Inland Fisher Guide (IFG) Facility, 

Ley Creek PCB Dredgings and Salina Town 

Landfill. 

The Onondaga Lake NPL site is being addressed 

in two stages. These include initial actions that 

can be undertaken without significant prior 

investigation, and long-term remedies described 

in the cleanup plan, which are based on extensive 

study and design 1 . Honeywell International is 

implementing the investigations and cleanup of the 

Onondaga Lake Bottom, Semet Residue Ponds, 

Willis Avenue, LCP Bridge Street and Wastebed 

B/Harbor Brook sub-sites. General Motors is 

implementing studies for the IFG Facility and 

operations, maintenance and monitoring at the Ley 

Creek PCB Dredgings sub-site. The town of Salina 

is implementing the remediation of the Salina 

Town Landfill sub-site. 

The NYSDEC continues to investigate other 

industrial facilities in the area to assess their 

impacts on the surrounding environment, including 

Onondaga Lake. 

OLMP Recommendations 

In 1993, the OLMC recommended ten action items 

relating to Industrial Pollution. Those recommendations 

are as follows: 

•• New York State should, through the judicial 

consent decree, oversee the completion by Allied of 

the remedial investigation studies of mercury and 

other Allied-related pollutants. Thereafter, upon 

completion of the feasibility study, the State should 

select an appropriate remedial technology. The 

process leading to a remediation of mercury and other 

Allied-related toxic pollutants should be pursued as a 

priority. 

1. The initial cleanup activities are known as Interim 

Remedial Measures (IRM). An IRM is a discrete set of 

cleanup actions for both emergency and non-emergency 

situations that can be conducted without extensive investigation 

and evaluation. An IRM is designed to be a permanent 

part of the final remedy (NYSDEC 2008a). The 

long-term remedies described in the full cleanup plan are 

based on individual Records of Decision (ROD) issued by 

the NYSDEC and EPA. 


Figure 2-6. 

Onondaga Lake Industrial Pollution Site Map, showing eight NPL sub-sites and four non-NPL sites. (Source: 

NYSDEC) 

•• New York State should implement through its 

remedial program an investigation and remediation of 

the LCP Chemicals site. This should include the evaluation 

and implementation of interim remedial measures 

as appropriate. 

•• New York State should, through its Administrative 

Consent Orders with Allied Signal, oversee: a) 

the implementation of an interim remedial program 

to remove, treat, or dispose free product chlorinated 

benzenes 2 from the Willis Avenue site, and b) the 

completion of studies of the sources and extent of 

contamination associated with the Willis Avenue site. 

These studies are scheduled for completion in late 

2. Free product chlorinated benzenes are chemical 

products of manufacturing at the Willis Avenue site that 

contaminated groundwater in the vicinity. 

1994. The State will evaluate and select appropriate 

remedial options thereafter. 

•• New York State should, through its consent 

order with Allied-Signal, oversee an investigation and 

remedial program of the Semet Tar Bed deposits. The 

initial investigation is scheduled for completion in 

1993. The State will evaluate and select appropriate 

remedial options thereafter. This should include the 

evaluation and implementation of interim remedial 

measures as appropriate. 

•• New York State should, through its consent order 

with Allied-Signal, oversee implementation of physical 

closure of the Solvay waste beds where determined 

necessary and appropriate. This may include grading, 

soil cover, installation of positive surface drainage and 

bulkheading. 

Page 18 


•• Onondaga County should require Allied-Signal 

to cease discharge of waste bed drainage to METRO 

within one year. Through its SPDES permit process, 

NYSDEC should determine the conditions for issuance 

of a permit for the drainage to be redirected, treated 

and released appropriately. 

3 

•• New York State should carry out the RI/FS and 

NRD 4 assessment processes to define further remedial 

needs and methods, and collect monetary damages for 

lake sediments, groundwater, lower Ninemile Creek, 

the Tar Beds site, the Willis Avenue site, and other 

Allied impacts. 

•• New York State should prioritize and implement 

through responsible parties remediation of any other 

sites that are determined to pose a threat to the lake 

ecosystem and usage. 

•• New York State should, through the appropriate 

responsible parties, implement a comprehensive 

investigation and appropriate remediation of Oil City 

petroleum product contamination. This should address 

contamination on-site, as well as any contamination 

moving off-site, if applicable. As the first step, NYSDEC 

should finalize and implement a consent order with 

appropriate parties to fully evaluate subsurface conditions 

at the site. 

•• New York State should pursue a program to selectively 

remove near-shore deposits that due to their 

physical characteristics may impede construction of 

the proposed New York State boat launch site on the 

lake’s west shore. 

3. A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) can 

begin once the presence of hazardous contamination is 

confirmed at a site. The State, or a responsible party under 

State oversight, performs a detailed examination of the 

site to determine the nature and extent of contamination, 

and then evaluates possible remedies through a process 

that includes public involvement. 

4. Liability for Natural Resource Damages (NRD) is 

provided by Federal statutes, whereby State and Federal 

officials may seek compensation from responsible parties 

for the injury to, loss of, loss of the use of, or destruction 

of natural resources, including land, biota, air, surface and 

ground waters. 

National Priorities List Sub-Sites 

Onondaga Lake Bottom 

Allied-Signal and other industries in the area 

contributed to the contamination of the lake 

water and sediment. Mercury contamination is 

found throughout the lake; the entire lake exhibits 

varying degrees of mercury contamination 

within the sediment layer at its bottom. Other 

contaminants present in the lake sediments include 

benzene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, chlorinated 

benzenes and polychlorinated biphenyls 

(PCBs) 5 . 

In early 2006, NYSDEC, New York State Office of 

the Attorney General (NYSOAG) and Honeywell 

International reached an agreement in the form of a 

Consent Decree requiring the company to conduct 

a cleanup of contaminated sediments in Onondaga 

Lake in accordance with the government-issued 

cleanup plan. 

The cleanup plan for the Onondaga Lake Bottom 

sub-site includes dredging an estimated 2.65 

million cubic yards of contaminated sediments, 

isolation capping of an estimated 425 acres in the 

littoral zone 6 , thin layer capping of an estimated 

154 acres, monitored natural recovery, wetland and 

habitat restoration, and long-term maintenance and 

monitoring. 

A workplan detailing the remedial design was 

issued in March 2009. 

Status of Projects 

Honeywell International is currently collecting 

5. PCBs are human-made, organic chemicals that were 

used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications, 

such as electrical and hydraulic equipment, oilbased 

paints, plastics and rubber products. The manufacturing 

of PCBs was banned in 1979. 

6. The cleanup plan for the Onondaga Lake Bottom subsite 

defines the littoral zone as the area of the lake where 

water depths range from 0 to 9 meters (approximately 30 

feet). 


additional data to further support design detail 

specifications for the Onondaga Lake cleanup 

activities. These data will be used to refine 

dredging locations and design the sediment consolidation 

area planned in Waste Bed 13. 

In-lake monitoring was conducted from 2004 

through 2007 to help assess the possibility of 

controlling methylmercury production through 

nitrate addition to the deep water areas of the 

lake during the summer stratified periods. In June 

2007, a workplan to continue this assessment was 

approved by NYSDEC. Field trials of nitrate application 

were successfully completed in 2009. 

Future Activities 

Lake bottom dredging is expected to begin in 

2012. A workplan detailing the remedial design 

activities has been developed and was issued in 

March 2009. A plan to monitor the lake before, 

during and after cleanup activities is also being 

developed. 

Initial design documents submitted to NYSDEC 

in March 2009 included information regarding 

sediment consolidation area (SCA) construction, 

dredging, water treatment operations, sediment 

capping, and deep lake bottom remediation. 

Semet Residue Ponds 

Allied-Signal disposed 20 million gallons of 

acidic, tar-like wastes on approximately 40 acres 

of land in the village of Solvay. Located approximately 

400 feet south of Onondaga Lake, the 

sub-site includes five man-made ponds used from 

1917 to 1970 as depositories for waste material, 

and two small areas that were built to contain 

leakage from the ponds. The Semet Residue 

Ponds cover approximately 11 acres and have an 

estimated depth of 5 to 6 feet. Monitoring-well 

data indicate that there is a plume of contaminated 

groundwater originating at the sub-site and 

migrating toward Onondaga Lake. The primary 

contaminants of concern are benzene, toluene, 

ethylbenzene, xylene and naphthalene. 

In March 2002, NYSDEC and EPA issued a 

cleanup plan for the sub-site (NYSDEC and 

EPA 2002). The selected remedy includes the 

excavation and on-site processing of the Semet 

Pond residue into benzene, light oil, and a soft tar 

product. The remedy also includes groundwater 

collection and on-site treatment. 

Following the finalization of the cleanup plan in 

2002, Honeywell International presented information 

suggesting that the cleanup plan would no 

longer be feasible due to changes in market conditions. 

A modification of the remedy, which would 

allow for the residue to be converted to a material 

used in energy recovery, was being evaluated by 

Honeywell pursuant to a Consent Order negotiated 

by NYSDEC and Honeywell International, Inc. 

However, field activities conducted in 2009 and 

2010 to determine the thickness of the residue in 

the Semet Residue Ponds indicate that the volume 

of material in the ponds is considerably less than 

previously estimated. As a result, other alternatives 

to address the pond material are being considered. 


Studies have been undertaken to identify and 

investigate seeps in and around the berms that 

enclose the Semet Ponds, and to evaluate the 

potential for human exposure to the residue as a 

result of the seeps. Engineering details are also 

being generated to ensure the structural integrity of 

the berms. This information is being developed in 

support of the revised cleanup plan. 

An addendum to the remedial design work plan 

was submitted in September 2007. The addendum 

called for additional characterization of sediment 

and surface water in the upper reaches of Tributary 

5A, and additional exploration and inspection of 

outfalls and culverts along the tributary. 

Design and construction of the Semet groundwater 

collection trench system adjacent to Onondaga 

Lake have been completed. Design of the Semet 

groundwater collection trench adjacent to and 

under Tributary 5A (a tributary to Onondaga Lake 

Page 20 


that flows south from Semet Pond then turning 

north to the lake) is nearly completed. 

Onondaga Lake. Construction of the groundwater 

treatment plant was completed in February 2006. 


Removal of contaminated sediment in Tributary 

5A and construction of the groundwater collection 

trench adjacent to and under Tributary 5A will take 

place in 2010. 

Willis Avenue 

Located on Willis Avenue in the town of Geddes, 

this sub-site is situated at a former chemical 

manufacturing plant that has been demolished. 

The plant specialized in chlor-alkali production of 

caustic soda and chlorine. The plant was also used 

to manufacture benzene and chlorinated benzenes. 

Currently, both groundwater and surface runoff 

transport contaminants to the lake via the East 

Flume. 


Honeywell International completed installation 

of an underground barrier wall downgradient of 

the Semet Ponds in 2007 and installed the Willis 

Avenue section of the barrier wall (Figure 2-7). 

The barrier wall allows for collection of contaminated 

groundwater, which is pumped under I-690 

to the Willis Avenue groundwater treatment plant. 

The treated water is then sent to METRO for 

additional treatment before being discharged to 


Honeywell International is conducting investigatory 

work, and a list of cleanup alternatives will be 

available for public comment in 2011. 

LCP Bridge Street 

From 1953 to 1988, the 20-acre LCP Bridge Street 

sub-site was used for various industrial activities. 

The chlor-alkali facility produced caustic 

soda and liquid chlorine using the mercury cell 

process. Hydrogen gas, which was generated as a 

by-product at the facility, was used to manufacture 

hydrogen peroxide between 1955 and 1969. In 

1979, the facility was sold to LCP Chemicals 

and continued to operate until 1988. Mercury 

and xylene from former chemical production has 

contaminated groundwater, surface water, soil and 

sediment. In September 2000, NYSDEC issued a 

cleanup plan for the sub-site. 

The cleanup plan included mercury removal from 

soil on the property, excavation of contaminated 

sediments in the surrounding area, installation 

of an on-site groundwater collection system and 

the construction of an underground cut-off wall 

to prevent any future movement of contaminants 

from the site. 


In 2005, Honeywell International completed the 

installation of an underground cut-off wall, sewer 

abandonment work and soil washing remedial 

activities. Soil washing removed a total of approximately 

14,000 pounds of elemental mercury from 

soils at the site. 

Figure 2-7. Barrier wall installation. (Source: NYSDEC) 

Remedial activities completed in 2006 included 

the installation of groundwater collection system 

wells, piezometers, the groundwater collection 

facility and sediment excavation in wetlands and 

the West Flume. 


In 2007, wetland and stream restoration activities 

and groundwater collection began. Honeywell 

International coordinated with wetlands and 

habitat specialists to design a wetlands and 

landscape plan to reestablish native species and 

wildlife. Over 12,000 trees and plants were introduced 

in an effort to restore wetlands and habitat 

in the lake watershed near the site (Figure 2-8). All 

remedial activities called for in the design, with 

the exception of the construction of the final cap, 

were completed in 2007. 

Wastebed B/Harbor Brook 

Wastebed B forms the western bank of Harbor 

Brook downstream of the I-690 crossing and is 

a source of contaminants to Harbor Brook and 

Onondaga Lake. The lakeshore area was the 

disposal site of Solvay waste from 1908 through 

1926 and was designated as Wastebed B. The East 

Flume, located on Wastebed B, was historically 

one of the major discharge locations for mercury 

and other waste materials to the lake. The area 

located south of the lakeshore area, known as 

Penn-Can, has been used for the production and 

storage of asphalt products since 1919. A host of 

hazardous materials, including benzene, toluene, 

xylene, naphthalene and mercury were disposed 

of by Allied-Signal resulting in sediment, soil and 

groundwater contamination. 


Figure 2-8. Completed wetland restoration project at the 

LCP Bridge Street site. (Source: NYSDEC) 


Ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring 

began in 2008. Monitoring of wetlands, groundwater 

and the West Flume, and operation and 

maintenance of the groundwater collection system 

and temporary cap are being conducted. 

The final cap will be installed after the Ninemile 

Creek/Geddes Brook remedy has been completed 

(see Other Adjacent Areas of Concern later in this 

section). Soil and sediment removed from the 

Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek site will be placed 

in the containment facility at the LCP Bridge 

Street site and/or at the SCA to be constructed at 

Wastebed 13. 

In 2003, Honeywell International entered into an 

agreement with NYSDEC to implement cleanup 

actions on the Wastebed B/Harbor Brook sub-site. 

The goal was to isolate, collect and treat contaminants 

from groundwater before they entered 

Onondaga Lake using a barrier wall and collection 

and treatment system. Investigatory work to 

define the nature and extent of contamination was 

compiled into a report by Honeywell International 

and has been reviewed by NYSDEC. Construction 

of the western portion of the barrier wall, to 

extend from the East Flume to Harbor Brook, is 

underway. 

Honeywell International is conducting a sediment 

removal project within the East Flume. Work that 

began in 2006 includes lowering the water level 

in the East Flume and visually inspecting catch 

basins along I-690. As of this writing, no sediment 

has been removed. Once removed, sediment will 

be temporarily placed at Wastebed B pending a 

final decision on its ultimate disposal. 

Future projects 

NYSDEC and EPA’s recommended cleanup plans 

Page 22 


for the lower Harbor Brook portion of the site and 

the area outboard (on the water side) of the barrier 

wall will be presented in 2010. A cleanup plan to 

address other areas of the site will be issued in 

2011 or 2012. 

Inland Fisher Guide Facility 

From 1952 through 1993, the Inland Fisher Guide 

(IFG) facility operated as an automotive chrome 

plating facility and later, as a manufacturer of 

plastic automotive components. PCBs, chlorinated 

solvents and metals from the former General 

Motors auto parts plant contaminated groundwater, 

soils and Ley Creek sediments and floodplain 

soils. A number of cleanup activities to remove 

or contain contaminants were performed between 

2000 and 2004. These included capping an on-site 

landfill, diverting storm water to an on-site treatment 

plant and removing 30,000 cubic yards of 

PCB-contaminated soil. 


In 2006, in accordance with a NYSDEC approved 

vapor intrusion investigation work plan, air 

samples were collected and tested. Results indicated 

elevated levels of solvents in both indoor 

and sub-surface air samples, leading to General 

Motors’ efforts to plug preferential pathways 

for soil vapors through floors. General Motors 

submitted a Vapor Intrusion Evaluation Report to 

NYSDEC in early 2008. Additional monitoring 

and remedial measures to address vapor intrusion 

are anticipated. 

Field work was performed in 2008 to collect fish 

tissue samples for PCB analysis in support of a 

baseline environmental risk assessment (BERA) 

and human health risk assessment (HHRA). 


Upon receipt and approval of the Supplemental 

Remedial Investigation Report, HHRA and BERA, 

an analysis of various remedial alternatives to 

address the remaining sub-site contamination 

will be submitted to NYSDEC. NYSDEC plans 

to issue a final cleanup plan for addressing the 

remaining concerns at the sub-site in 2012. 

Ley Creek PCB Dredgings 

General Motors placed PCB-contaminated 

sediment along the banks of Ley Creek during 

the 1970s. In 1997 the NYSDEC approved a 

cleanup plan that included excavation and disposal 

of PCB-contaminated dredge material/soils at a 

permitted hazardous waste landfill, consolidation 

and covering of the remaining PCB-contaminated 

materials, removal of previously deposited dredged 

materials from the first 25 feet of the floodway 

to restore the area to an appropriate elevation, revegetating 

soil outside of the floodway, vegetating 

drainage swales, installation of a chain-link fence 

around the area of the vegetative cover to limit 

access, and implementation of deed restrictions to 

preclude activities that could potentially expose 

contaminated materials. 


Excavation of the PCB-contaminated dredged 

material/soil was conducted between 1999 and 

2000. Approximately 3,750 cubic yards of material 

was transported to an off-site facility. Approximately 

920 cubic yards of material located on 

the north bank of Ley Creek was excavated and 

consolidated on-site. 

A vegetative cover was installed over the consolidated 

dredged material. 1.5 acres of wetlands were 

created to replace wetlands that were eliminated 

during remedial construction. 

Implementation of deed restrictions to preclude 

activities that could potentially expose contaminated 

materials and to ensure that the integrity of 

the cover is maintained were put in place in early 

2008. The Ley Creek PCB dredgings sub-site was 


e-classified in 2008 7 ; it is no longer considered an 

immediate threat to public health, and is properly 

closed, but requires continued management. 


The cleanup plan has been fully implemented. The 

NYSDEC considers the site to be properly closed. 

Ongoing maintenance is required. 

Salina Town Landfill 

The Salina Town Landfill is approximately 55 

acres and is located in an industrial area in the 

town of Salina. In addition to accepting municipal 

solid waste, the landfill also accepted hazardous 

wastes including paint sludge, paint thinner, PCBcontaminated 

materials and contaminated sediment 

dredged from Ley Creek. The landfill was closed 

in 1975 as mandated by NYSDEC. 

In September 1981, the town covered the landfill 

with a clay soil and hydroseeded to establish a 

vegetative cover. Numerous investigations were 

performed on the landfill to determine whether 

the landfill was a threat to human health and the 

environment. In 1997, the landfill was designated 

a sub-site to the Onondaga Lake Superfund Site 

because it was determined that contamination from 

the landfill migrated to Ley Creek, which flows 

into Onondaga Lake. 

In 1997, the town of Salina began investigatory 

work to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination. 

A resulting report identified alternative 

actions for addressing issues at the landfill site. 

The final cleanup plan was issued by the NYSDEC 

and EPA in 2007. 

The cleanup plan includes excavation and consolidation 

of contaminated sediments, construction 

7. The site was reclassified in 2008 from a Class 2 to a 

Class 4 New York State inactive hazardous waste site. 

NYSDEC defines Class 2 as a significant threat to the 

public health or environment and action is required. Class 

4 inactive hazardous waste site is a site that has been 

properly closed and requires management. 

of groundwater/leachate collection trenches north 

and south of Ley Creek and an on-site treatment 

plant, construction of caps over the landfill areas 

north and south of the creek, drainage controls and 

fencing, installation of an on-site 150,000-gallon 

storage tank to hold excess water from storm 

events, institutional controls to prohibit residential 

use of the property and long-term monitoring and 

maintenance. 


Remedial design of the leachate collection system 

is underway, and Onondaga County has agreed 

to accept treated leachate from the Salina Town 

Landfill. 


Completion of the remedial design and commencement 

of the proposed work are both expected to 

occur in 2010. After that time, a suitable new use 

for the site will be determined. 

Other Adjacent Areas of Concern 

Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek 

The Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek system has 

been impacted by mercury from the LCP Bridge 

Street NPL sub-site. Analysis of surface water, 

sediment and floodplain soils indicates that the 

West Flume, which leads from the LCP plant 

to Geddes Brook, has been the main channel of 

mercury contamination in the Ninemile Creek 

watershed. Other contaminants, such as arsenic, 

lead, hexachlorobenzene, phenol and PCBs have 

also been detected in the sediments and floodplain 

soils. 


Studies are underway to evaluate alternatives for 

the long-term cleanup of channel and floodplain 

sediments for Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek as 

mandated by the NYSDEC. Cleanup plans for 

two portions of the Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek 

Page 24 


Current Status and Future Activities 

Monitoring of the site continues to determine 

appropriate remedial actions. Contaminated soils 

were identified and removed during construction 

of the METRO expansion. A cleanup plan for this 

site is expected to be available for public comment 

in 2010. 

Wastebeds 1 - 8 

Located on approximately 315 acres of the former 

Geddes Marsh on the southwest side of Onondaga 

Lake, Wastebeds 1 - 8 were used to dispose 

Solvay Process waste and other industrial waste 

from the early 1900’s through 1944. The disposal 

of the waste at Wastebeds 1 - 8 ceased after a 

containment dike failed in 1944. The presence of 

contaminants, including benzene and toluene, has 

been documented. 

Figure 2-9. Ninemile Creek. (Source: Central New York 

Regional Planning & Development Board) 

system were issued by NYSDEC and EPA in April 

and October 2009. 


Design activities to implement the cleanup 

plans for Geddes Brook and Ninemile Creek 

are underway. It is anticipated that construction 

will commence in late 2010 at the Geddes Brook 

portion of the site. 

Niagara Mohawk-Hiawatha Boulevard 

The Niagara Mohawk-Hiawatha Boulevard 

manufactured gas plant (MGP) area of concern is 

approximately 20 acres in size and located on West 

Hiawatha Boulevard, bordered by Onondaga Lake 

and Onondaga Creek. The MGP operated from 

1925 to 1958. Wastes associated with the MGP 

production are heavy metals, coal tar, phenols, oil 

sludge and cyanides. National Grid, which merged 

with Niagara Mohawk, is the party responsible for 

remediation efforts. 

Current Status and Future Activities 

Investigatory work to define the nature and extent 

of contamination is nearly complete. Honeywell 

International will use this information to propose 

a remediation plan for this site which, when available, 

will be subject to public comment. 

Oil City 

The area at the southern end of Onondaga Lake 

formerly known as “Oil City” consists of approximately 

750 acres formerly occupied by various 

industrial operations, including over 80 bulk 

petroleum tanks that contributed to contamination 

of groundwater by solvents and petroleum 

products (Mobil Oil Company vs. Syracuse 

Industrial Development Agency 1990; Lakefront 

Development Corporation 2000). This contamination 

made its way through the underlying soils 

surrounding the southern part of Onondaga Lake. 

Much progress has been made on remediation of 

this area, including cleanup of approximately 200 

acres and construction of the Carousel Center Mall 

in the late 1980s and early 1990s. All of the tanks 

have been removed, and the former owners of the 

property have relocated their facilities to other 


areas. More information on the reclamation and 

redevelopment of the Oil City area can be found in 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and Shoreline Use. 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic 

Investigations 

History 

Located approximately 18 miles south of Syracuse, 

the Tully Valley has unique hydrogeologic features 

called mudboils (Figure 2-10). Mudboils have 

contributed significant amounts of sediment to 

Onondaga Creek. Mudboils are artesian-pressured 

geologic features that discharge turbid (cloudy), 

fresh to saline water at the land surface, and 

eventually into the creek. Historically, fine-grained 

sand settled to the creek bottom while the finergrained 

silt and clay remained in suspension 

making the creek turbid, sometimes all the way 

to the Inner Harbor. During high flow events, 

the sandy sediment became re-suspended and 

eventually was deposited at the Inner Harbor of 


Sedimentation is of particular concern because 

it reduces habitat for aquatic insects, plants and 

fish. Historically, Onondaga Creek has contributed 

more than 50 percent of the annual tributary 

sediment load to the lake. 

OLMP Recommendations 

In 1993, the OLMC recommended four action 

items for the Tully Valley mudboils: 

•• The OLMC, in cooperation with the United States 

Geological Survey (USGS), United States Department 

of Agriculture (USDA), United States Army Corps 

of Engineers (USACE), NYSDEC, NYSOAG and other 

agencies and experts, should assess and report on the 

feasibility of implementing a short list of cost-effective 

remedial solutions in order to reduce sediment and 

chloride discharges to Onondaga Lake and Onondaga 

Creek. The solutions may include implementation and 

monitoring of pilot projects such as placement of subsurface 

depressurization wells, rerouting a portion of 

Onondaga Creek, and/or installation of impoundment 

structures to allow settling of the fine sediments. 

•• The NYSDEC, through the Administrative Consent 

Order with Allied-Signal, should continue oversight 

of the plugging of solution mining wells to promote 

stabilization of the brine field area. 

•• The USGS, in cooperation with NYSDEC, NYSOAG 

and other agencies, should continue hydrogeologic 

investigations and research to define the characteristics 

and impacts of the Tully Valley mudboils. 

•• New York State (NYS) should pursue those parties 

responsible for the initiation and/or exacerbation 

of the mudboils in the Tully Valley. NYS should also 

require both appropriate remediation and compensation 

for damages from those responsible parties. 

Remediation Strategies for OLMP 

Recommendations 

In the fall of 1991, the OLMC created the Mudboil 

Working Group (representing local, state and 

federal agencies) to develop a plan to identify the 

cause of mudboil activity and formulate ways to 

reduce or eliminate mudboil discharges (Kappel 

and McPherson 1998). USGS, NYSDEC and 

researchers from Syracuse University began the 

first long-term study of mudboil activity with 

funding from EPA. The goals of the plan were to: 

Figure 2-10. Tully Valley mudboil. (Source: USGS) 

•• Define the mechanism and extent of mudboil 

development. 

Page 26 


•• Drill test wells to define the glacial stratigraphy 

(layering of glacial materials) and delineate groundwater 

flow paths within the valley. 

•• Monitor the flow and sediment concentrations of 

mudboil discharges to calculate the amount of water 

and sediment discharged to Onondaga Creek. 

artesian-pressured water to flow out of the well 

while holding the fine-grained sand and silt in 

place. Additional depressurizing wells were 

installed in the summer of 1996 in the aquifer 

surrounding the MDA and along Onondaga Creek 

(Kappel and McPherson 1998). 

•• Identify remedial actions to reduce those 

discharges. 

•• 

Monitor the results of those actions. 

During the 1990s, artesian pressure within the 

underlying aquifer was identified as a force behind 

mudboil flow. It was learned that the flow from 

the mudboils changes seasonally in response to 

changes in artesian pressure. In the spring, when 

groundwater recharge is higher, the mudboils 

are more active. Artesian pressure in the aquifer 

declines during the summer as recharge to the 

aquifer declines (Kappel, Sherwood, and Johnston 

1996; Kappel 2009). 

Figure 2-11. 

Depressurizing well at Tully Valley. 

(Source: USGS) 

The Mudboil Working Group supported the 

recommendations made in the OLMP, including 

diverting flow from a tributary that feeds the main 

mudboil depression area (MDA), installing depressurizing 

wells at several locations, and constructing 

a dam and sediment-settling impoundment to 

detain mudboil sediment. 

Diversion of Tributary Flow 

Remediation work along the Tully Valley mudboil 

area began in 1992. In June of that year, a project 

to divert surface water inflow to the MDA reduced 

sediment loading to Onondaga Creek by half – 

from nearly 30 tons/day to about 15 tons/day. 

Depressurizing Well Installation 

Depressurizing wells (Figure 2-11) were first 

installed in 1992 near the Otisco Road bridge. It 

was believed that depressurizing wells drilled to 

the base of the freshwater aquifer would reduce 

artesian pressure in the upper aquifer and slow 

nearby mudboil activity. Several wells were 

installed with 10-foot-long well screens to allow 

Impoundment Dam 

In July 1993, a temporary impoundment dam was 

constructed at the outlet of the MDA to reduce 

the average daily load of sediment discharging 

to Onondaga Creek. The impounded area 

covered several mudboils and allowed most of the 

sediment to settle out before flowing to Onondaga 

Creek. In 1996, a permanent impoundment dam 

was constructed in order to continue the capture 

of sediment discharged from mudboils within the 

MDA. 

Remediation Results 

The results of tributary diversion, depressurizing 

well installation, and the impoundment dam 

were positive. Flow diversions reduced sediment 

loading, and the impoundment dam and depressurizing 

wells slowed mudboil activity in the MDA. 

Because of the impoundment, the average daily 

load of sediment discharged from the MDA to 

Onondaga Creek was reduced from 15 tons/day in 

1992 to 1.5 tons/day during 1993 and 1994. The 


installation of depressurizing wells resulted in 

reduction of the artesian pressure in the mudboil 

aquifer, further reducing mudboil activity. 

Stream flow and sediment concentration are 

currently being monitored at the MDA. The measurements 

include flow (15-minute increments), 

total hourly precipitation, weekly sediment concentrations, 

estimated sediment load discharged 

to Onondaga Creek, quarterly depressurizing 

well volume and water quality measurements and 

quarterly groundwater level measurements. These 

measurements document current conditions at 

the MDA, and the effectiveness of the remedial 

activities implemented. In the long-term, the data 

will provide a measure of how the mudboils react 

to variable and seasonal weather activity. As of 

this writing, sediment loading from the mudboils 

remains at less than 1 ton/day, a 95 percent reduction 

from the early 1990s. 

Solvay plant where it was used to make soda 

ash, and later, for the production of chlorinated 

chemicals. Solvay’s successors, Allied-Chemical 

and Allied-Signal, continued their operations until 

Allied-Signal ceased their Syracuse operations in 

1986. 

During the preparation of the OLMP, it was 

believed that the solution mining activity in Tully 

Valley was the primary cause of mudboil activity. 

The OLMP recommended that NYS pursue parties 

found responsible for the initiation or exacerbation 

of the mudboils and require remediation and 

compensation. Studies to date have not developed 

sufficient data for NYS to pursue parties that may 

be responsible for initiation or exacerbation of the 

mudboils, although that may change in the future. 

Allied-Signal was required to plug the solutionmining 

wells in the Tully Valley brine field area. 

Over a two-and-a-half year timeframe, Allied 

located and filled 160 brine wells with cement 

grout. The project was completed in 1994. 

Future Remediation Efforts 

Figure 2-12. Aerial photo of mudboils and impoundment 

dam alongside Onondaga Creek. (Source: USGS) 

Brine Mining at Tully Valley 

The salt and brine mining industry has thrived 

in NYS for over 125 years. The Solvay Process 

Company started solution-mining halite (salt) 

in the Tully Valley brine field in 1888. Solvay 

Process Company drilled 167 wells into the halite 

bed approximately 1,200 feet below land surface. 

Water was injected to create saturated brine, which 

was then transported by pipeline to the company’s 

The remedial activities implemented to date 

have been successful in reducing sediment discharge 

to Onondaga Creek. Maintaining water 

clarity requires continuous attention. Periodic 

maintenance activities, such as dredging of 

sediment-filled containment areas and repairing 

flow-measuring and flow-diversion structures, are 

necessary activities due to periods of high flow and 

excessive sediment accumulation. Depressurization 

wells also require constant maintenance to 

assure continued well discharge and diminished 

mudboil activity. 

With funding provided by EPA, the OLP has 

undertaken two pilot projects to study how to 

lessen the water entering the mudboil aquifer, thus 

reducing mudboil activity even further. The OLP 

is researching the potential impact of reducing the 

volume of surface runoff entering the groundwater 

system up-gradient of the mudboil area. USGS 

plans to expand the aforementioned study to target 

Page 28 


the brine fields associated with Allied-Signal’s 

solution mining activities and two alluvial fans at 

Rattlesnake and Rainbow Creeks (Kappel 2009). 

Scientists are also turning their attention to 

increased sediment loading of Onondaga Creek 

resulting from ongoing landslide activity. On April 

27, 1993, a large landslide occurred at the base of 

Bare Mountain in the town of LaFayette, approximately 

12 miles south of Syracuse and 2 miles 

north of the mudboils. The landslide destroyed 

three homes and covered 1,500 feet of Tully Farms 

Road with more than 15 feet of mud (Figure 2-13). 

Studies conducted by federal and state environmental 

agencies and several universities indicate 

that several landslides have occurred at the base of 

Bare Mountain, dating as far back as 10,000 years 

ago. Possible causes of these landslides include 

increased water content of near-surface soils 

resulting from greater than normal precipitation 

and snow melt, instability of the lower hillside, 

and artesian pressure changes below ground (Pair, 

Kappel, and Walker 2000). Other landslides have 

occurred since 1993. USGS estimates that landslide 

activity may now contribute as much, if not 

more, sediment to the creek as do the mudboils. 

The OLP will continue to study landslide activity 

in Tully Valley and its tributary valleys to determine 

the scope and nature of landslide activity and 

associated sediment loading to Onondaga Creek. 

Strategic Area 6: Fish and Wildlife 

Habitat and Fisheries Management 

History of Contamination 

A host of contaminants have adversely impacted 

Onondaga Lake and its surrounding habitat in the 

past. Elevated amounts of phosphorus, ammonia, 

mercury, sediment, salinity, and other contaminants 

have diminished the water quality of the lake 

(see Table 2-1). 

Phosphorus 

Historically, METRO released significant amounts 

of phosphorus into the lake. High levels of 

phosphorus contribute to excessive algae growth. 

When the algae eventually die, they settle to the 

bottom of the lake and decompose in a process that 

removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other 

aquatic organisms cannot exist in water with low 

dissolved oxygen levels. 

Ammonia 

In the past, the concentrations of ammonia in 

Onondaga Lake have exceeded environmental 

standards. Although the elevated ammonia levels 

in Onondaga Lake were never toxic enough to 

cause a fish kill, chronic exposure can reduce 

fish spawning and restrict migration patterns. 

Ammonia is supplied to the lake from METRO. 

Mercury 

Excessive mercury levels in the lake have inhibited 

aquatic life. Mercury contamination measured in 

fish flesh led to a 1970 ban on all fishing within the 

lake. Catch and release fishing was reinstated in 

1986, but consumption advisories remain in place. 

Figure 2-13. April 27, 1993 landslide at Bare Mountain. 

Dotted line is Tully Farms Road. (Source: USGS) 

Sediment 

Non-point source erosion and the Tully Valley 

mudboils and landslides have increased sedimentation 

in Onondaga Creek, which is currently the 

primary source of sediment to the lake. Further 

non-point source sediment inputs from other 


tributaries add to the problem. The increased 

sediment loading of the lake reduces water clarity 

and habitat for aquatic insects, plants and fish 

spawning. 

Contaminant Sources Effects 

Phosphorus 

Ammonia 

Municipal 

wastewater 

discharge, 

non-point 

source 

runoff (e.g. 

fertilizer) 

Municipal 

wastewater 

discharge 

and industrial 

wastebeds 

Excessive 

algal blooms, 

decreased water 

clarity, depletion 

of oxygen that 

is necessary 

for fish and 

other aquatic 

organisms to 

survive 

Toxic to fish; 

disruptive 

to survival 

behaviors 

activities along the west shore of the lake. Salt 

springs in the Tully Valley area also contribute to 

the elevated salinity. High salinity levels alter the 

stratification process of the lake, and contribute to 

the formation of anoxic zones. As a result, fish and 

other aquatic organisms cannot inhabit these zones 

due to a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. 

Other contaminants 

A large portion of the lake and its near-shore area 

are covered with calcium carbonate stones called 

oncolites. Oncolites are a product of the Solvay 

Process conducted at the Allied-Signal soda ash 

facility. Oncolites inhibit the growth of rooted 

aquatic plants, which limits the variety and population 

of animal species found within the lake. 

Other contaminants originate from non-point 

sources. These include pesticides, motor oil, 

metals, septic leachate, and several other pollutants 

that are harmful to fish and wildlife. 

Mercury 

Sediment 

Industrial 

activities 

along lake 

Tully Valley 

mudboils and 

landslides 

Measured in fish 

flesh and is toxic 

to humans and 

wildlife 

Reduces aquatic 

habitat, fish 

spawning sites, 

sunlight penetration 

and plant 

growth 

As a result of the contamination, fish populations 

decreased and the fishery that once flourished 

within the lake declined. Migratory salmon and 

non-migratory ciscoes (also known as Onondaga 

Lake whitefish), both coldwater fish, are mentioned 

in anecdotal accounts from the 1800s and 

early 1900s. The historical presence of coldwater 

Salinity 

Salt mining 

activities, 

soda ash production, 

salt 

springs 

Reduces and/ 

or eliminates 

suitable habitats 

Table 2-1. Major Pollutants of Onondaga Lake. 

Salinity 

Elevated levels of salts, particularly sodium 

chloride and calcium chloride, occur in Onondaga 

Lake as a result of former soda ash production 

Figure 2-14. Smallmouth bass caught in Onondaga 

Lake. (Source: OCDWEP) 

Page 30 


fish (particularly salmon) remains subject to 

debate, but neither the Atlantic salmon, whitefish, 

nor any other coldwater fish currently reside in the 

lake year-round. 

During the early 1990s, the OLMC convened a 

working group of fisheries scientists and managers 

to examine the various alternatives available to 

enhance the lake’s fishery. The following three 

options were evaluated: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Enhanced warmwater resident fishery 

Resident coldwater fishery 

Resident warmwater/transient coldwater fishery 

The group chose the third option as an interim 

program goal. This option states that there is 

potential for a transient coldwater fishery, where 

the fish migrate between the lake and the Seneca 

River. The OLMC concluded that if the lake water 

quality was enhanced to meet the set water quality 

standards to support warmwater fish populations, 

the establishment of a transient Atlantic salmon 

fishery in the lake and lower reaches of the main 

tributaries would also be feasible 8 . 

Recommendations from OLMP 

•• The establishment of a suitable year-round 

habitat for a sustainable warmwater fishery in the 

lake and the migration of coldwater fish into the lake’s 

tributaries by the achievement of sufficient water 

quality, vegetative cover, access, food supply and other 

habitat requirements. 

•• Making specific reaches of Ninemile Creek and 

Onondaga Creek suitable for spawning, migration and 

residence of indigenous fish species. 

•• NYSDEC should develop a Fisheries Management 

Plan specific to Onondaga Lake to address and work 

toward achieving the above recommendations on the 

fishery. 

•• Continue to completion the on-going study to 

evaluate methods of littoral zone rehabilitation. The 

results of the study should be considered in determining 

remediation options for the lake. 

•• Undertake an artificial in-lake oxygenation pilot 

project to evaluate the potential role of in-lake oxygenation 

on lake restoration, and its effect on the release 

of nutrients and metals from the bottom sediment. 

•• Undertake experimental stocking of Ninemile 

Creek with Atlantic salmon smolts to assess remediation 

needs to allow future Atlantic salmon migratory 

runs. 

•• As long as fish continue to exceed Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) levels for mercury, the advisory 

against eating fish should be maintained. If the levels 

of these contaminants fall below these FDA guidelines, 

it is recommended that careful review be undertaken 

of all contaminants likely to be of concern in the 

Onondaga Lake system prior to lifting the consumption 

advisory. 

•• The achievement of a suitable year-round habitat 

for a sustainable consumptive warm and coldwater 

fishery in the lake and its tributaries. 

8. The presence of Atlantic salmon, which is a coldwater 

species, is not always linked to the water quality standards 

for warm water fish. However, in this case a consensus 

was reached among scientists and managers that achievement 

of the water quality standards for warm water fish 

would be a sufficient condition to support a transient 

Atlantic salmon fishery. This conclusion was based on 

results of NYSDEC stocking efforts and research studies. 

Figure 2-15. A Great Blue Heron. (Source: 2002 OLP 

Photo Contest, photo by Paul Garvey) 


•• Development of a comprehensive biological monitoring 

program to demonstrate trends and to identify 

sources and causes of ecosystem-wide problems. 

Biological monitoring should be coordinated with 

other activities such as water quality studies, mercury 

studies and fishery investigations. 

•• NYSDEC should undertake an annual fish-monitoring 

program of Onondaga Lake, associated tributaries 

and the lake outlet to identify all appropriate and likely 

contaminants that may be present in the lake system. 

•• Implementation of a Natural History Information 

and Education Program to educate and inform the 

public on fish and wildlife species in and around the 

lake. 

•• Development and implementation of a plan 

to hydrologically connect selected wetland areas to 


•• NYSDEC should identify environmentally sensitive 

areas and significant wildlife habitat around the lake’s 

shoreline. Incompatible development in these areas 

should be discouraged. 

Strategies and Progress 

Fisheries 

The improvements at METRO and the control 

of CSOs have successfully reduced ammonia 

and phosphorus levels in the lake, thus providing 

a healthier habitat for a sustainable year-round 

warmwater fishery. The improved water quality 

in the lake has promoted spawning, migration 

and residence of native fish species in portions of 

Ninemile Creek and Onondaga Creek. Aquatic 

plant growth has also increased. Results from the 

biological component of the Ambient Monitoring 

Program (AMP) show dramatic increases in the 

areal coverage of aquatic plants throughout the 

littoral zone. The number of species of rooted 

aquatic plants has increased from five in 1991 to 

seventeen in 2005. The increasing aquatic plant 

growth is helping to stabilize the lake bottom and 

encourage fish habitat (OCDWEP 2007a). 

Habitat conditions are improving to allow 

establishment of a sustainable warmwater fishery 

in the lake and migration of fish into the tributaries. 

As of 2007, studies have identified 64 fish 

species in the lake, up from 9 to 12 species found 

in the lake during the 1970s, and have acknowledged 

that the lake supports a “very productive” 

warmwater fishery with abundant numbers of 

largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake also 

supports cool water species, such as walleye and 

yellow perch. Brown trout, a coldwater species, 

have been caught during colder periods of the 

year, suggesting that the migration of coldwater 

fish into the lake’s tributaries has been successful 

(OCDWEP 2007a). 

Progress is being made toward achievement of 

a consumptive warmwater fishery in the lake. 

Fish species and populations are increasing in the 

lake. The NYSDOH continues to re-assess the 

advisories it has issued on fish consumption, which 

are related to potentially harmful chemical levels. 

After more than 10 years of catch-and-release 

fishing, the NYSDOH issued a change in the fish 

advisory for Onondaga Lake in 1999, stating that 

anglers were to eat no walleye from the lake and 

no more than one meal per month of all other 

species. The advisory was updated in 2007, adding 

that largemouth and smallmouth bass were not to 

be eaten due to mercury contamination. Women 

of childbearing age, infants and children under the 

age of 15 are advised not to eat any fish from the 

lake (NYSDOH 2007). 

An annual fish monitoring program to identify 

contaminants of concern presently exists only for 

the lake. Onondaga County, through the AMP, 

collects largemouth and smallmouth bass annually 

for mercury testing from the lake. The program 

has generally shown the persistence of elevated 

mercury concentrations in these fish species. A fish 

monitoring program does not currently exist for 

the outlet or the tributaries. 

Researchers at SUNY ESF began experimental 

stocking of Ninemile Creek with Atlantic salmon 

in 1991 and continued in 1995 through 2002. The 

results of the experimental stocking were positive, 

Page 32 


as the salmon survived the winter in the creek and 

were visible in the spring. It was evident to the 

researchers that the salmon thrived in the creek, 

and while they have been seen in the lake, the lake 

is often too warm to support the salmon fishery. 

In 2002, OCDWEP began to record the species 

of fish caught in the lake through the Angler’s 

Diary Program. In an effort to monitor the fishery, 

OCDWEP requested that anglers fishing in the 

lake, Seneca River, or Oneida River carefully 

record the time spent fishing, numbers and species 

caught, fish kept, and the area fished, in order to 

monitor the progress of the fishery. 

As a true testament to the aquatic improvement, 

Onondaga Lake hosted the Bassmasters Memorial 

Bass Fishing Tournament July 26-29, 2007. Over 

50 of the country’s top anglers gathered in Central 

New York to participate in the tournament. One 

fisherman was quoted as saying, “they told us this 

lake was polluted. They were right, it’s polluted 

with fish,” (Lucky Craft 2008). 

Habitat Improvement Projects 

In 2000 and 2001, the OLP supported the construction 

of two major habitat restoration projects. As 

a way to reduce the shifting and resuspension of 

bottom sediments in the shallow water caused 

by waves on the lake, a jetty was constructed in 

the northwest corner of the lake. By reducing the 

shifting of bottom sediments, the jetty, known as 

a permanent habitat module, promotes aquatic 

vegetation growth and provides spawning habitat 

for fish. The OLP also funded the design and 

construction of two wetlands connection projects 

as recommended in the OLMP. The purpose of the 

wetlands connection was to hydrologically connect 

selected wetlands to Onondaga Lake in an effort to 

restore habitat. Maintenance of the wetlands connection 

projects has been minimal and there is silt 

blockage at both sites at this time. 

The OLP sponsored the Onondaga Creek Conceptual 

Revitalization Plan (OCCRP) project 

with funds from the EPA. The goal of the 

OCCRP project is to develop a community-based 

Figure 2-16. One example of a jetty at Onondaga Lake. 

(Source: OLP) 

revitalization plan for the Onondaga Creek 

watershed by providing a guide for future development, 

water quality and habitat improvements 

that can enhance social and economic conditions 

along the creek. The Onondaga Creek Working 

Group, charged with developing the conceptual 

revitalization plan, is comprised of a diverse group 

of volunteers who live or work in the watershed. 

The revitalization plan will include suggestions 

for specific habitat improvements in the Onondaga 

Creek watershed. 

Natural History Education 

The Syracuse University Living Schoolbook 

created a CD titled, The Natural History of 

Onondaga Lake in 1999. The CD was created 

with the assistance of middle school students and 

distributed to Syracuse area schools. It included 

educational information regarding the different 

types of fish and wildlife species in and around the 

lake. A kiosk display was also created using this 

information and was displayed at St. Marie among 

the Iroquois and later at the Salt Museum. 

Future Efforts for Habitat & Fisheries 

As part of the Onondaga Lake Bottom cleanup 

plan discussed on page 2-8, Honeywell International 

is developing a habitat restoration plan 

that will identify and consider the presence of 


environmentally sensitive areas affected by 

remedial actions. The plan will address the design 

and implementation of activities that will enhance 

water quality while providing habitat and a sufficient 

food supply for wildlife. Although Onondaga 

County’s AMP has a biological monitoring component, 

Honeywell International will also conduct 

long-term biological monitoring as part of the 

Onondaga Lake Bottom cleanup plan. 

The permanent habitat module and wetland hydrological 

connection project constructed in 2000 

and 2001 have not been maintained since the early 

2000s. Silt blockage in the wetlands continues to 

increase; in order to sustain these habitat restoration 

projects, ongoing maintenance is necessary. 

distribution terminals owned by various oil companies. 

Contamination from the tanks at Oil City 

leached into the soils surrounding Onondaga Lake. 

The many decades of industrial activities have 

contributed significant contamination to the lake’s 

shoreline, while sedimentation and pollution have 

adversely affected the water quality of the lake’s 

Inner Harbor. Many of the industrial contamination 

sites along the lake have been remediated, 

while others are currently undergoing remediation 

as part of the long term cleanup plan involving 

Honeywell International (see Strategic Areas 3 and 

4: Industrial Pollution). 

As recommended in the OLMP, NYSDEC plans 

to develop a fisheries management plan specific 

to Onondaga Lake. The plan will outline management 

activities necessary to maintain and enhance 

the lake’s fishery. 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and 

Shoreline Use 

Inner Harbor Issues 

The city of Syracuse is divided into 26 neighborhoods. 

Syracuse’s Lakefront neighborhood 

consists of a diverse mix of residential, commercial 

and industrial land uses. 

Like other areas of Syracuse, the Lakefront neighborhood 

was once the site of significant industrial 

development. The areas of Franklin Square, 

Stadium Market Center, Carousel Center, Harbor 

East, Harbor West, and the Inner Harbor are all 

part of the Lakefront neighborhood. The area of 

the Lakefront known as Franklin Square was the 

former location of automobile and parts production 

facilities. When the factories closed in the 1980s, 

they left behind a number of vacant buildings 

and empty lots near the Inner Harbor. A 750-acre 

area in the Lakefront neighborhood known as Oil 

City housed over 80 petroleum storage tanks and 

Figure 2-17. Public event at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. 

(Source: City of Syracuse) 

Recommendations 

The OLMC made the following recommendations 

in 1993 for the Inner Harbor and shoreline: 

•• NYSDEC, Onondaga County, and the city of 

Syracuse should work to expand and improve access 

to the lake for fishing and boating as the fishery and 

public demand warrant. Facilities should provide 

access for boating and shoreline anglers and may 

include boat access sites and public fishing piers. All 

facilities should be handicapped accessible and located 

in consideration of all residents. 

•• NYSDEC should continue to pursue the development 

and construction of a fishing access site on the 

west shore of the lake. 

Page 34 


•• USACE should design and prepare plans to dredge 

the Inner Harbor during 1993/1994. The planning 

process will determine the appropriate party to dredge 

the Inner Harbor; and the dredging should be conducted 

before 1996. 

•• Local governments should seek public and private 

funds for the design and construction of projects 

which may include, but not be limited to: an outdoor 

performing arts facility, a year-round skating rink, a 

public art park, a lake education and research center, 

bike paths and pedestrian walkways. 

•• Local governments should coordinate any 

construction activity relating to the development of 

wastewater treatment facilities so as to minimize to 

the extent possible any negative impacts on lakefront 

development and the surrounding community. 

•• The city, the county and other local governments 

should work with the NY State Department of 

Economic Development and NY State Canal Corporation 

to design and circulate tourism focused promotional 

publications to promote the lake and the Inner 

Harbor. 

•• Re-use of Allied waste beds, where appropriate, 

for public use purposes including the possibility of 

parks, golf courses, etc. Remedial efforts undertaken 

by responsible parties should be developed and 

implemented in consideration of future possible public 

usage. 

•• Local governments should continue to improve 

public access to the lake by completing the lake-wide 

trail system and expanding the East Shore marina. 

•• No land use should be permitted which would be 

deleterious to the lake’s water quality. 

Strategies for OLMP Recommendations and 

Current Status 

Inner Harbor 

Remediation and redevelopment of the Lakefront 

neighborhood began in the early 1990s. Oil 

company operations were relocated from the area 

known as Oil City to a new location in the town of 

Van Buren. The last of the oil tanks were removed 

from Oil City in 2001 (Lakefront Development 

Corporation 2000). The property owner removed 

contaminated soils from Oil City and prepared the 

land for redevelopment. Currently, much of the 

property is undeveloped with the notable exception 

of a large commercial shopping mall located on 

the southeast lake shore. 

Redevelopment of the vacant factory buildings at 

Franklin Square began in the 1990s. These large, 

open-floored, brick buildings have been transformed 

into residential apartments, luxury condominiums, 

senior citizen apartments, commercial 

offices, and small businesses, including restaurants 

and cafes. Landscaping, ornamental lighting and 

tree-lined streets have converted this formerly 

underutilized and unattractive industrial site into a 

charming, mixed-use neighborhood. 

The Onondaga Creekwalk is an attractive trail 

connecting the Franklin Square area to the Inner 

Harbor (see Appendix A for a map of the area). 

Extending north toward the lake from the Inner 

Harbor, the Creekwalk is a paved, ¾-mile path. 

The Creekwalk offers the community opportunities 

for recreation, including in-line skating, bicycling 

and fishing along the shoreline. It is envisioned 

that the Onondaga Creekwalk will eventually be 

extended to the Downtown Syracuse area and the 

planned Loop-the-Lake Trail. The Creekwalk will 

also connect to the Erie Canalway Trail. When 

completed, the Erie Canalway Trail will link canal 

communities from Albany to Buffalo along the 

New York State Canal System. 

The 42-acre Inner Harbor is owned by the New 

York State Canal Corporation, but is maintained 

by the city of Syracuse’s Lakefront Development 

Corporation (LDC). The LDC was established in 

1996 by the city of Syracuse and the Metropolitan 

Development Association to facilitate the redevelopment 

of the Syracuse Lakefront. The LDC 

began renovations to the Inner Harbor in 1999. 

The New York State Canal Corporation dredged 

approximately 60,000 cubic yards of sediment and 

other materials from the Inner Harbor in 1999. 

The renovation of the Inner Harbor was a three- 


phase process. The first phase involved repairing 

the bulkhead canal wall in the harbor, which was 

completed in 1999. The second phase included 

the installation of landscaping, light poles and a 

promenade in 2001. An historic freight house was 

moved from its original south pier location to a 

new harbor site along Solar Street. The third phase 

involved the construction of 700 feet of floating 

docks, the north pier, gazebo and water and electrical 

amenities. A 1,500-seat amphitheater was 

completed as part of phase three in 2002 (Duffett 

2005). 

The Inner Harbor is available to the public for 

events and private parties. The Inner Harbor Block 

Party, a weekly, Thursday night event held at the 

Inner Harbor during the summer features local 

bands and a fun, after work atmosphere. An annual 

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration is held 

at the Inner Harbor by the city of Syracuse each 

year, drawing several thousands of people. 

Shoreline 

Onondaga Lake Park is the most visited park in 

Onondaga County. With over five miles of shoreline, 

over 1.3 million visitors picnic, fish, recreate 

and relax at the park each year. 

The park has picnic facilities for rent, playgrounds 

for children, a dog park and a skate park. 

Rowboats and kayaks are available for rent at the 

park and an 87-slip marina within the park is often 

fully occupied during the peak summer months. 

Effect of Water Quality on Recreational Activities 

Rain and snowmelt affects water quality by carrying 

stormwater runoff into nearby surface waters. Such runoff 

often contains unwanted materials, such as sediment, 

nutrients and bacteria. Bacteria carried in runoff comes 

from a variety of sources including waste from wildlife, 

pets, agriculture sources, and, in the case of Onondaga 

Lake, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) which can 

contain both sanitary sewage and stormwater. 

Bacteria levels in portions of Onondaga Lake typically 

increase after significant storm events, primarily in the 

southern end of the lake where most tributaries receiving 

CSOs are located. Bacteria levels in the northern end of 

the lake (in the Willow Bay area), while less impacted 

by rainfall events, may increase for a few days after 

significant storm events. These occasional high bacteria 

levels are among the factors why swimming in the lake is 

not encouraged. Swimming from shore is also prohibited 

because of legal requirements that restrict swimming to a 

designated bathing beach. Onondaga Lake does not have a 

designated bathing beach. 

There are no regulations pertaining to boaters using the 

lake for recreational purposes. While the water quality in 

the northern part of Onondaga Lake is likely suitable for 

recreational activities in most areas most of the time, there 

are other factors (including elevated bacteria levels) that 

lead the Health Department to recommend that the lake 

not be used for swimming. 

(Onondaga County Parks Department, Onondaga Lake 

Special Event Water Quality Protocol 2009) 

Figure 2-18. Onondaga Lake Park. (Source: Central 

New York Regional Planning & Development Board) 

The park has over seven miles of paved, shoreline 

trails specifically designated for walking/running 

and biking/skating. A Loop-the-Lake Trail is 

planned to extend the entire 12-mile perimeter 

of the lake. Currently, half of the Loop-the-Lake 

Trail, a five-mile section along the east shore and 

northwest section of the west shore, is complete. 

Portions of the trail that will extend from the west 

shore of the lake from Ninemile Creek to the NYS 

Fairgrounds have been designed and are currently 

undergoing environmental review. 

Onondaga Lake Park is the site of two museums; 

Page 36 


the Salt Museum, which displays original equipment 

used for salt mining in Syracuse, and Sainte 

Marie among the Iroquois, which provides an 

historic look at the 17 th century culture of the 

Iroquois and the French. 

Future Lakefront Developments 

The Syracuse Lakefront Area Master Plan, adopted 

in 1999 by the LDC Board of Directors, Syracuse 

Planning Commission and Syracuse Common 

Council, offers a redevelopment vision for the 

Syracuse Lakefront. Future development of the 

Syracuse Lakefront will be in accordance with the 

city of Syracuse Zoning Regulations (Parts B-IX 

and C-IX), which were developed to codify the 

concept presented in the Lakefront Area Master 

Plan. 

Onondaga County Parks received a $225,000 

grant from the New York State Canal Corporation 

in 2006 to upgrade the existing 87-slip marina 

located on the eastern shore of Onondaga Lake 

at Onondaga Lake Park (see Appendix A for 

location). The project involves adding a section to 

the marina that will accommodate up to 14 additional 

boats and modernizing existing facilities. 

The Dock Enhancement Program will increase 

marina capacity and promote local and regional 

recreation and tourism. Similarly, to improve 

boating access opportunities, NYSDEC is conducting 

investigatory work in support of developing 

plans for a boat launch on the west shore of the 

lake. 

Strategic Area 8: Non-Point Source 

Pollution 

History 

As point sources of pollution such as the METRO 

discharge and CSOs are reduced, there is a 

growing need to reduce non-point sources of 

pollution within the lake and the watershed. Nonpoint 

source (NPS) pollution comes from diffuse 

sources and is transported by stormwater runoff 

and wind. Common non-point sources are associated 

with land use activities such as agriculture, 

forestry, urbanization and construction. Typical 

agricultural sources of NPS pollution existing in 

the Onondaga Lake watershed include soil erosion 

and over-grazed pastures, unstabilized barnyards 

and manure runoff. Sediment from eroded streambanks 

and roadbanks, nutrients and chemicals from 

man-made fertilizers and pesticides contaminate 

waterways when they are washed into creeks and 

streams. Urban forms of NPS pollution include 

litter and debris from streets that are carried by 

stormwater, fertilizer and pesticides, construction 

site runoff and petroleum products. 

Figure 2-19. 

Onondaga Lake Park Marina. (Source: 

Onondaga County) 

Recommendations from OLMP 

•• Completion of a NPS Management Strategy to 

address the impacts of NPS pollution on the lake 

watershed based on available geographic, demographic, 

hydrologic and water quality data. 

•• Onondaga County’s Water Quality Strategy should 

include a NPS Management Strategy incorporating 

urban, suburban and rural control problems. The 

Water Quality Strategy should be under the direction 

of the Onondaga County Water Quality Coordinating 

Committee and would continually evaluate and update 

watershed protection implementation programs. 


•• Portions of the Onondaga Lake watershed should 

be identified and prioritized for implementation of 

best management practices (BMPs) 9 to control NPS 

pollution. 

•• Define a “Zone of Primary Ground Water Management 

Concern” in order to further evaluate and 

manage ground water pollution impacts to the lake 

and its tributaries. 

•• New York State, Onondaga County, local governments 

and other appropriate government agencies 

should initiate a NPS public education program to raise 

public awareness and promote practices at the individual 

household level to reduce NPS pollutant inputs 

to the watershed. 

Additionally, the OLMP suggested other NPS 

control options, including streambank fencing 

programs to limit livestock access to valuable 

streams, re-establishment of streambank vegetation, 

litter control and cleanup, and educational 

campaigns for pollution prevention. It was 

recommended that the Onondaga County Soil and 

Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) assist the 

agricultural community in establishing BMPs to 

reduce soil and nutrient inputs from the Onondaga 

Lake watershed. The OLMP recommended 

that USDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension of 

Onondaga County (CCE) and the OCSWCD 

coordinate to provide technical assistance to 

farmers for erosion control and nutrient and pest 

management. 

submitted the final report, Onondaga Lake Non- 

Point Source Information and Education Program 

and Best Management Practice Implementation 

Demonstration to the OLMC, summarizing the 

attitudes of the community (farmers and non-farmers) 

and outlining the levels of knowledge about 

NPS pollution (OCSWCD 1994). As part of this 

project, OCSWCD provided educational materials 

to the public regarding NPS pollution. These fact 

sheets covered topics relating to farmers (animal 

waste management, pesticide management, erosion 

control) and homeowners (household cleaners 

Figure 2-20. Pre-BMP barnyard at a farm in Onondaga 

County. Soil erosion and surface runoff of nutrients from 

barnyard can pollute streams. (Source: OCSWCD) 

Strategies for OLMP Recommendations and 

Status of Remediation 

Onondaga Lake NPS Information and 

Education Program 

Beginning in the early 1990s, efforts were made 

to reduce pollution from non-point sources in the 

Onondaga Lake watershed. OCSWCD developed 

and implemented a NPS Information and 

Education Program. In June 1994, the OCSWCD 

9. A BMP, as applied here, is a method, measure or practice 

determined to be the most practical and effective in 

preventing or reducing the impact of pollutants. 

Figure 2-21. Post-BMP barnyard with concrete 

pad to reduce erosion and enhance animal waste 

management. (Source: OCSWCD) 

Page 38 


management, battery disposal, oil and automobile 

product disposal, paint thinners and other solvent 

management). The OCSWCD and CCE also 

conducted a series of NPS workshops for public 

officials and educators regarding erosion control 

and stream preservation. 

Roadbank/Streambank Stabilization 

In 2000, OCSWCD, in coordination with the 

USACE, identified roadbanks and streambanks 

of concern in the watershed and began an implementation 

project to stabilize these areas. As of 

February 2007, various construction techniques 

were used to stabilize 25 stream reaches (over 

3,755 linear feet) in the Onondaga Creek subwatershed. 

These efforts have enhanced habitat and 

reduced erosion. Shrub willow trees have been 

planted to help stabilize the soil and provide shade 

for the stream (OLP 2007). 

Agricultural Best Management Practices 

A well-maintained farm can protect water quality, 

but when agricultural runoff is a concern, Agricultural 

Environmental Management (AEM) plans 

should be implemented. An AEM plan identifies 

critical areas of concern specific to the individual 

farm and BMPs are designed to resolve the NPS 

pollution issues (NYS Soil and Water Conservation 

Committee 2007). AEM plans are developed 

through a tiered process (see Table 2-2). 

The AEM program is a voluntary, incentive-based 

program that benefits the watershed environment 

by reducing pollutants entering surface 

and groundwater resources. In 2001, OCSWCD 

began the AEM program in the Onondaga Lake 

watershed. As of 2009, 67 farms in the Onondaga 

Lake watershed had been identified for an AEM 

plan, 51 had completed the initial surveying and 

inventory stages (Tiers I-II), 21 had developed and 

implemented conservation plans (Tiers III-IV), and 

18 farms had been evaluated under Tier V. Maintenance 

of the plan by the farmer is key to ensuring 

the continued protection of the environment. 

Tier I 

Tier II 

Tier III 

Tier IV 

Tier V 

Inventory current activities, future 

plans and potential environmental 

concerns. 

Document current land stewardship; 

assess and prioritize areas of 

concern. 

Develop conservation plans addressing 

concerns and opportunities 

tailored to farm goals. 

Implement plans utilizing financial, 

educational and technical assistance. 

Evaluate results to ensure the protection 

of the environment and farm 

viability. 

Table 2-2. Tiers of the Agricultural Environmental 

Management program. (Source: OCSWCD.) 

The BMPs implemented through the OCSWCD’s 

AEM program have included construction of 

concrete barnyards to prevent nutrient runoff and 

provide improved surface for manure cleanup 

(Figures 2-20 and 2-21), streambank fencing to 

prevent animals from entering streambeds, and 

rotational grazing systems to avoid vegetation 

damage and soil erosion by cattle. 

As part of the NPS Environmental Benefit Project, 

BMPs were implemented on three farms in the 

Onondaga Lake watershed. The three farms, which 

varied in size and type of production, were considered 

to be representative of the overall farming 

industry in the watershed. A variety of BMP solutions 

were developed and implemented to address 

the specific concerns each farm had relative to 

their particular situation and needs. These solutions 

serve as demonstration projects, providing 

examples of BMP effectiveness. 

Urban Best Management Practices 

Urban BMPs incorporate stormwater detention, 

storage or infiltration structures and treatment 


devices to remove pollutants. While there are 

numerous urban BMP technologies available, it is 

imperative to identify those that will benefit the 

specific area of concern. 

Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse and 

numerous organizations within the area have 

contributed to educating the public about urban 

BMPs. Public Service Announcements encouraging 

people to help reduce NPS pollution related to 

the urban environment were developed in the early 

2000s. Press releases identifying ways to properly 

dispose of trash and debris were developed and 

distributed to the public by the city of Syracuse. 

Onondaga County purchased a litter vacuum truck 

for the city of Syracuse with a grant from the OLP 

and produced educational materials associated 

with proper litter disposal. As a way to capture the 

floating debris in the Inner Harbor, the County purchased 

a skimmer vessel that removes the floating 

trash from the water. Finally, the OLP previously 

sponsored annual cleanups of Onondaga Creek, 

in which local volunteers removed trash from the 

streambanks. 

In addition to the agricultural BMPs implemented 

under the Environmental Benefit Project, two 

urban BMPs were constructed and implemented. 

A stormwater vortex unit, designed to capture 

and hold solids (grit and sand), floatables, oil and 

grease and nutrients during runoff events was 

constructed on East Seneca Turnpike in Syracuse. 

Captured solids were eventually removed from 

the unit for disposal. The stormwater vortex unit 

resulted in relatively low nutrient reduction, but 

successfully captured solids and floatables. 

A vegetative filter strip 10 was also constructed in a 

parking lot at the Burnet Park Zoo (see Appendix 

A for location) through the Environmental Benefit 

Project. The vegetative strip was designed to 

remove pollutants in stormwater runoff through 

filtration, deposition, infiltration and absorption. 

10. Vegetative filter strips are areas of land with vegetative 

cover that are designed to accept runoff as overland 

sheet flow from upstream development. 

The strip consists of a mix of ground cover plants 

and larger, woody species. The vegetation was 

allowed to become established for one year before 

sampling began in June 2001. The results showed 

that the vegetative strip was effective at removing 

solids and absorbed much of the runoff from the 

parking lot (Moffa and Associates 2002). 

Groundwater Management 

A “Zone of Primary Groundwater Management 

Concern” has not been defined. The remedial 

activities undertaken by Honeywell International 

along the lakeshore will manage groundwater 

concern as required in the cleanup plan. See Strategic 

Areas 3 & 4: Industrial Pollution for further 

information. 

Stormwater Management 

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow 

that does not soak into the ground, but runs into 

waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved 

areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns. 

Flowing stormwater collects and transports soil, 

animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, oil and grease, 

debris and other potential pollutants. 

Beginning in the early 1990s, the EPA developed 

a nationwide stormwater program focused on 

medium to large municipal separate storm sewer 

systems (MS4s). In 1999, the EPA expanded the 

regulation to cover certain smaller MS4s. The 

regulatory program, which aims to reduce urban 

nonpoint source pollution in stormwater runoff, 

requires the development and implementation of 

a stormwater management program. Stormwater 

management programs must contain appropriate 

management practices in the areas of public 

education and outreach, public involvement 

and participation, illicit discharge detection and 

elimination, construction site stormwater runoff 

control, post-construction site stormwater runoff 

control and municipal pollution prevention and 

good housekeeping (NYSDEC 2008c). Several 

municipalities in the Onondaga Lake watershed 

are subject to the stormwater regulations. 

Page 40 


Water Quality Strategy 

The Onondaga County Water Quality Strategy, 

developed by the Onondaga County Environmental 

Health Council, identifies specific goals for 

major watersheds in Onondaga County. The goals 

include implementation of BMPs, AEM, streambank 

stabilization projects and the assessment of 

point and non-point source impacts on bodies of 

water. The strategy is periodically updated and is 

used to prioritize water quality needs. 

Future Remediation Efforts 

The OLMP recommended the completion of 

a NPS Management Strategy. While a NPS 

Management Strategy has not been completed, 

the OLP has focused attention on developing 

a model to identify specific areas within the 

watershed on which to focus NPS management 

efforts for maximum efficiency. Through the 

OLP, the USACE and Onondaga County funded 

the development of a watershed specific model 

for Onondaga Lake called the Surface Water 

Watershed Model, which is based on a computer 

program known as Hydrologic Simulation 

Program - Fortran (HSPF). The model simulates 

flow to and in the major tributaries of the lake in 

order to project sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen 

loads to the lake (Coon and Reddy 2008). This 

model will be used to predict what effect certain 

projects might have on water quality in the lake. 

The OLP plans to use the Surface Water Watershed 

Model to identify areas of significant interest to 

focus future NPS management efforts. 

The OCSWCD plans to continue providing AEM 

planning services to interested farmers in the 

Onondaga Lake watershed. The AEM program 

helps reduce pollution in the watershed and helps 

to maintain clean and healthy farms that provide 

the County and watershed an additional economic/ 

tourist benefit. 

Educating the public on the importance of urban 

BMPs is a priority for Onondaga County, the 

city of Syracuse, and the OLP. Past events such 

as Onondaga Lake Day, an annual event held at 

Onondaga Lake Park and hosted by the OLP, have 

offered activities for the public to learn about 

the history of the lake and surrounding area and 

opportunities for positive interaction with the lake. 

The OLP intends to continue to sponsor public 

education events and promote BMPs at events in 

the future. 


Page 42 


Chapter 3: Onondaga Lake Watershed Action Strategies 

Figure 3-1. Onondaga Lake on an autumn day. (Source: OLP) 


Introduction 

This chapter outlines the remaining actions to be 

taken, and information gaps to be filled, in order 

to fully accomplish the goals of the Onondaga 

Lake Partnership (OLP) for the rehabilitation of 

Onondaga Lake. The OLP’s cleanup goals are 

summarized and organized according to the eight 

Strategic Areas. Some of the original goals have 

been refined by the OLP to reflect new information 

about the Onondaga Lake ecosystem, advances in 

remediation technology, and changes in regulatory 

requirements. The OLP members identified and 

developed action strategies to fulfill the stated 

goals, with supporting action items and/or recommendations 

for their attainment. Action Items 

are required to be implemented by the identified 

parties as a result of legal decisions or enforcement 

actions. Recommendations are intended as 

suggested approaches for implementing the action 

strategies. The OLP may reassess and modify its 

approach if necessary due to changing needs. 

The detailed action items and recommendations 

allow for more accurate assessment of funding 

needs for each action strategy. Estimates of the 

required cost along with identified or potential 

available funding sources are listed and discussed 

where possible. A timeline for completing each 

strategy is also provided to the extent possible, 

based on regulatory requirements and/or public 

interest. In many cases, the action strategies identified 

will require continuous and ongoing effort. 

Entities responsible for implementation of action 

items and recommendations are also identified, 

and their role in the process is defined where 

appropriate. The extent to which it is possible to 

designate the role of a given organization relative 

to a particular item varies. In some cases, the 

parties involved are specifically identified by a 

legal decision, consent agreement, or regulatory 

enforcement action; these instances are noted 

accordingly. In other cases, however, entities 

involved in implementation are identified based 

on past or current involvement. These entities are 

noted to assist the OLP in identifying partners 

that may have the capacity to undertake particular 

projects. In these instances, it may be suitable for 

other parties, not specifically identified, to assume 

a role in accomplishment of a given recommendation, 

depending on capabilities, funding, and future 

approval by the OLP. 

As described in Section 573 of the Water 

Resources Development Act of 1999, completion 

of the activities for which OLP is directly 

designated in this document must occur not later 

than August 17, 2014 (sometimes referred to as the 

OLP termination date). 

Strategic Area 1: Municipal Sewer 

Discharge 

The OLP has stated the following goals for 

addressing municipal sewer discharge: 

Goal 1. Maintain a 30-day average ammonia 

effluent limit of 1.2 mg/L in summer and 2.4 

mg/L in winter from METRO as mandated 

by the ACJ 1 . 

Since 2004, the Syracuse Metropolitan Area 

Wastewater Treatment Plant (METRO) has consistently 

met this goal and anticipates continuing to 

achieve these levels of ammonia removal by utilizing 

the present technology. However, Onondaga 

County will continue to monitor its discharge in 

accordance with the ACJ and its State Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit to 

document compliance with effluent limits, and to 

address any exceedances of those limits or changes 

in data that suggest the facility is at risk of incurring 

exceedances. 

1. Atlantic States Legal Foundation, State of New York 

and John P. Cahill, as Commissioner of the New York 

State Department of Environmental Conservation v. The 

Onondaga County Department of Drainage and Sanitation 

and Onondaga County, New York. 88-CV-0066. 

Page 44 


Goal 2. By December 31, 2015, meet a final 

effluent limit of 0.02 mg/L as a 12-month 

rolling average for phosphorus from 

METRO, as mandated by the ACJ. 

Accomplishment of this objective will be 

subject to the final Total Maximum Daily Load 

(TMDL) allocation tentatively scheduled to be 

established by the New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in 2011. 

Onondaga County has completed a phosphorus 

removal pilot project to assist in determining the 

feasibility of meeting the effluent limit specified 

by the ACJ and alternative technologies to achieve 

it. 

Goal 3. Limit algal growth, lower toxicity, 

increase oxygen levels, and improve water 

clarity within the lake by lowering ammonia 

and phosphorus levels in accordance with 

the ACJ. 

Promising new data on ammonia and phosphorus 

levels have been generated over the course of the 

last several years, indicating that the improvements 

to METRO, along with other remediation activities, 

have been quite effective at achieving this 

goal. Phosphorus levels in the lake during the 2008 

recreation season were, on average, the lowest 

measured during that time of year since the inception 

of the Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) 

in 1998 (0.015 mg/L). Reduction in phosphorus 

is one of the factors that has led to improved 

clarity and a decrease in algal blooms over the past 

decade. 2 This effect may be enhanced if additional 

improvement in conditions continues. Average 

annual ammonia-N concentrations in the lake have 

remained below 0.2 parts per million since 2004, 

and meet NYSDEC standards for protection of 

aquatic life (OCDWEP 2009). Data have shown a 

decline in the number of summer days with major 

algal blooms in the lake, corresponding with the 

2. Zebra mussels, which have become abundant in Onondaga 

Lake in recent years, are also believed to play a role 

in increasing water clarity in the lake. 

reduction in phosphorus and ammonia. Strategic 

Area 6, Action Strategy 2 describes how the ability 

of the lake to support aquatic life may be evaluated 

to help determine phosphorus reduction criteria. 

Dissolved oxygen concentrations reach their 

lowest levels in the lake’s upper waters during 

October. The October oxygen concentrations 

have been in compliance with NYSDEC Ambient 

Water Quality standards since 1998 and minimum 

October levels have continuously increased since 

2004 (OCDWEP 2009). 

To assist in attaining and sustaining the above 

goals, the following action strategies are recommended. 

These strategies are in addition to work 

described in Chapter 2 that has been completed. 

Action Strategy 1. Continue an Ambient 

Monitoring Program (AMP) to assess the 

effectiveness of improvements to METRO 

in meeting the stated goals based upon four 

progress indicators identified in the ACJ: 

suitability for water contact recreation, 

visual attractiveness, support of a balanced 

community of plants and animals, and 

compliance with applicable water quality 

standards. 

Presently, the Onondaga County Department of 

Water Environment Protection (OCDWEP) is the 

entity responsible for the AMP, and will continue 

to be as long as so specified by the ACJ. The AMP 

currently includes monitoring stations within the 

lake and its tributaries to identify sources of pollutants 

entering the lake, as well as interactions 

between the lake and the Seneca River. If longterm, 

sustained improvement occurs, the AMP 

may be scaled back and the parties involved may 

change, pending the amendment and/or termination 

of the ACJ. 

Ultimately, the objectives set by New York State 

Department of Environmental Conservation 

(NYSDEC) and the United States Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) are to improve the above 


progress indicators to levels capable of supporting 

the uses designated by water quality standards 

for the northern and southern parts of the lake. 

These include non-contact recreation (i.e. fishing 

and boating) (Class C) for the southern portion 

and contact recreation (Class B) for the northern 

part of the lake. 3 (See “Effect of Water Quality on 

Recreational Activities,” page 36, which offers 

cautionary notes that apply to activities such as 

swimming, waterskiing, and kayaking.) A discussion 

of the water quality characteristics that affect 

suitability of the lake for swimming can be found 

on page 16 in Chapter 2. 

Action Item: 

1. Continue the Ambient Monitoring Program 

and adjust it as necessary on an annual basis in 

accordance with needs and available funds. 

Monitoring data provide valuable information on 

environmental conditions, trends and data gaps. 

The AMP is presently designed with the primary 

purpose of documenting compliance with the ACJ. 

Modifications to the AMP can be made annually 

based on results and needed areas of evaluation, 

and any potential amendments to the ACJ will also 

impact the data that needs to be collected. The 

approximate annual cost of the program is $1.3 

million. This figure is not expected to change substantially 

in coming years while the ACJ remains 

in effect, but costs will reflect program needs 

relative to ACJ compliance. Annual cost may 

change substantially after the ACJ is terminated. 

Action Strategy 2. Complete studies and 

models necessary to determine what 

improvements to METRO may be necessary 

to achieve the goals specified in the ACJ, 

3. Classifications of water bodies are based on the most 

suitable usage designated for a given body of water or 

portion thereof. The designations are promulgated in Water 

Quality Regulations: Surface Water and Groundwater 

Classifications and Standards, 6NYCRR Parts 700-706, 

effective August 4, 1999, NYSDEC, Albany, New York. 

and identify technologies to accomplish 

these improvements. 

Action Items: 

1. Complete modeling efforts to develop the Phosphorus 

TMDL for the Onondaga Lake watershed. 

On behalf of the OLP, Onondaga County has 

contracted with Anchor QEA, an environmental 

engineering firm, to complete the relevant 

modeling work. Assistance is being provided by 

a peer review committee currently coordinated by 

the Onondaga Environmental Institute (OEI). The 

work is funded by the EPA and U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers (USACE). 

The modeling effort in progress is the Onondaga 

Lake Water Quality Model (OLWQM), which 

is intended to provide a critical link between the 

Surface Water Watershed Model being developed 

by United States Geological Survey (USGS) and 

the existing Three Rivers Water Quality Model 

(TRWQM) completed by Anchor QEA on behalf 

of Onondaga County. The OLWQM is being 

developed in three phases: (1) development of the 

modeling work plan (complete), (2) development, 

calibration and initial application of the integrated 

lake/river model (complete), and (3) model validation, 

integration with the watershed model, and 

application (expected to be complete in 2010). 

The initial estimated expenditure approved by the 

OLP for the modeling effort was just over $1.3 

million. This funding was later supplemented with 

an additional $490,000 for further work including 

Phase 3 of the modeling effort, and to allow Peer 

Review of the entire model. A bioavailability study 

and assessment of the effect of plunging inflows 

from tributaries are also required by the ACJ and 

will necessitate additional funds of approximately 

$400,000. These studies must be completed no 

later than December 31, 2010. 

Page 46 


2. Re-evaluate the Stage III Phosphorus reduction 

criteria. 

Under the terms of the ACJ, Onondaga County 

is required to demonstrate its ability to attain 

the phosphorus effluent limit of 0.02 mg/L by 

December 31, 2011. The County is also required, 

by August 31, 2011, to complete an analysis of its 

current facilities at METRO to determine if any 

improvement in phosphorus treatment is possible. 

The ACJ also requires feasibility analyses of the 

potential capacity of METRO to meet the effluent 

limit through additional engineering technologies, 

as well as through flow diversion to the Seneca 

River. In the event that the County is unable to 

demonstrate the ability to comply with this effluent 

limit, a flow diversion from METRO to the Seneca 

River (bypassing Onondaga Lake) must be completed 

by December 31, 2015. 

to Onondaga Lake (known as a TMDL) must 

be calculated. The TMDL will determine the 

maximum daily quantity of phosphorus allowed to 

enter the lake from METRO and all other sources. 

The results of the Advanced Phosphorus Removal 

Pilot Project report, completed June 28, 2007, 

may also be used to determine the technologies to 

be considered to achieve the final effluent limit. 

The phosphorus allocation for METRO, and its 

ability to meet this allocation, will help determine 

whether METRO’s discharge should be diverted to 

the Seneca River. 

AMP data for the summer of 2008 demonstrated 

unprecedented improvement in lake water quality 

relative to phosphorus levels. Throughout the 2008 

summer recreation season, total phosphorus maintained 

an average level of 0.015 mg/L at Onondaga 

Lake South Station, the monitoring site closest to 

the METRO outfall. These data will be evaluated 

in conjunction with subsequent data to determine 

future actions and limits. 

Action Strategy 3. In accordance with the 

1993 OLMP, coordinate any construction 

activities that may occur relating to the 

potential renovation of METRO so as 

to minimize, to the extent possible, any 

negative impact on lakefront development 

and the surrounding community. 

Recommendation: 

Figure 3-2. The frequency and severity of algal blooms 

such as this one in Onondaga Lake have declined 

significantly in recent years, due in part to major 

improvements in METRO’s phosphorus removal processes. 

(Source: Central New York Regional Planning & 

Development Board) 

The solution for meeting the phosphorus effluent 

limits must not contribute to violation of water 

quality standards in the Seneca River. Before the 

NYSDEC can determine whether the flow diversion 

to the Seneca River is needed or appropriate, 

the allowable waste load that can be released 

1. If necessary, assess alternatives to METRO 

expansion activities to limit to the extent practical 

any additional impacts to lakefront access. 

Because of METRO’s proximity to a potentially 

important redevelopment area, it will be beneficial 

to ensure close coordination between Onondaga 

County and city of Syracuse so that any expansion 

of METRO or the conveyance and treatment 

systems (if determined to be necessary) do not 

interfere with the city’s plans to develop the Inner 

Harbor or Lakefront areas. This process should 

also include coordination with the New York State 


Canal Corporation (NYSCC), which is presently 

involved in decisions regarding development in the 

Inner Harbor. More details on recommendations 

for the Inner Harbor are found under Strategic 

Area 7 in this chapter. 

Strategic Area 2: Combined Sewer 

Overflows 

Consistent with EPA policy, the ACJ states the following 

goal to address combined sewer overflows: 

Goal 1. In accordance with the ACJ, by 

December 31, 2018, eliminate or capture for 

treatment at least 95 percent of the volume 

of combined sewage collected during 

precipitation events in the pre-existing 

system, achieve water quality standards 

for bacteria in the lake and its tributaries, 

and eliminate or minimize the occurrence 

of floatable substances in the lake resulting 

from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). 

The above goal is to be accomplished by addressing 

a total of 70 CSOs identified in the ACJ 

through use of green infrastructure, sewer separation, 

Regional Treatment Facilities (RTFs), Floatables 

Control Facilities (FCFs), or other practices 

as applicable so as to attain water quality standards 

within the lake. In order to achieve this, the action 

strategies identified below must be undertaken 

in addition to the completed work described in 

Chapter 2. Onondaga County is designated by the 

ACJ as the party responsible for completing the 

work described below in connection with CSO 

abatement, but will do so in coordination with 

the NYSDEC, EPA, the New York State Office of 

the Attorney General (NYSOAG), and the city of 

Syracuse. 

Action Strategy 1. Implement the use of 

green infrastructure in combination with 

downsized engineered facilities to achieve 

the CSO volume reduction benchmarks 

specified by the ACJ. 

In 2007, the parties to the ACJ (Onondaga County, 

NYSDEC, and Atlantic States Legal Foundation 

(ASLF)) indicated an intention to assess the 

possible use of green infrastructure 4 to address 

CSOs as the impetus for a possible modification 

to the ACJ. Green infrastructure is a term used 

to describe utilization of naturally occurring or 

human-made features, such as vegetated areas, to 

infiltrate stormwater or store it for gradual release. 

These actions can lower the volume of stormwater 

entering the city sewers, reducing CSOs and the 

associated discharge of untreated wastewater to 

Onondaga Lake and its tributaries. The parties to 

the ACJ are not convinced that sole reliance on 

conveyances, sewer separation, RTFs and FCFs 

(practices known as gray infrastructure) is the best 

approach to addressing CSOs in the Clinton Street, 

Midland, and Harbor Brook areas. 

The parties to the ACJ presented a proposed 

fourth amendment to the ACJ in September 

2009. The amendment, signed and approved on 

November 16, 2009, incorporates the use of green 

infrastructure into the CSO abatement program. A 

combination of gray and green infrastructure will 

be used to reduce the volume of flow ultimately 

released into combined sewers during precipitation 

events. An increased volume of stormwater will 

be captured onsite or close to the source, for reuse, 

plant uptake, or attenuation through infiltration 

into the soil, thereby reducing the stormwater 

volume entering CSOs. 

4. The concept of green infrastructure includes many 

practices that have been shown to reduce runoff volume 

by capturing and retaining precipitation onsite, returning it 

directly to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, or 

allowing it to infiltrate through the soil to the groundwater 

table. The use of green infrastructure has been shown to 

provide a number of ancillary benefits, including but not 

limited to aesthetic improvement, better air quality, mitigation 

of heat absorbed by urban buildings (resulting in 

lower energy costs for cooling), increased property values, 

wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge, and treatment of 

runoff water to remove pollutants. 

Page 48 



1. Develop green infrastructure alternatives, 

evaluate volume reduction potential based on 

proposed projects, potential use, and status 

relative to the ACJ, and implement most feasible 

and effective options. 

A determination will be made pursuant to the ACJ 

as to what types of green infrastructure practices 

will lead to the greatest reduction in stormwater 

runoff volume, and which of those practices can be 

implemented in the areas that drain to the sewers 

for which treatment is contemplated. The technologies 

under consideration include the following: 

•• 

Rain gardens (Figure 3-3) 

•• Rerouting of downspouts (“disconnecting”) to 

grassed areas and rain barrels 

•• Installing curb cuts to divert stormwater to vegetated 

areas 

•• 

•• 

Pervious pavement (Figure 3-4) 

Vegetated roofs 

•• Tree planting and establishment of vegetation on 

vacant lots 

Figure 3-3. Example of a rain garden, a form of green 

infrastructure. The white pipe observed between the 

two shrubs is a downspout from the roof of the adjacent 

building. (Source: Central New York Regional Planning 

& Development Board) 

Onondaga County will proceed with the implementation 

of volume control through the utilization 

of engineering upgrades consisting of gray 

and green infrastructure according to the following 

schedule mandated by the ACJ. The percentages 

shown reflect the proportion of the total volume of 

combined sewage generated during precipitation 

events (on a system-wide average annual basis) 

that must be captured on or before the milestone 

dates. 

Stage Milestone date Volume of combined 

sewage captured on 

system-wide average 

annual basis 

I Dec. 31, 2013 89.5% 

II Dec. 31, 2015 91.4% 

III Dec. 31, 2016 93.0% 

IV Dec. 31, 2018 95.0% 

Table 3-1. CSO Volume Control Schedule. 

2. Based on the amendment to the ACJ allowing 

the use of green infrastructure to reduce the 

volume of stormwater contributing to CSOs, assess 

the amount of volume and flow to be treated by 

RTFs, and redesign and construct the facilities as 

mandated by the revised ACJ. 

The revised ACJ supersedes the previously 

proposed requirements for the Clinton Street RTF, 

Harbor Brook RTFs, and expansion of the treatment 

volume at the Midland RTF. According to the 

2009 revision to the ACJ, Onondaga County must 

construct a 3.2 million gallon storage facility at 

State Fair Blvd., and an Interceptor Replacement 

in the Harbor Brook sewershed; a 3.7 million 

gallon storage facility at the Clinton Street Trolley 

Lot, and a modification to the gate chamber structure 

at the Erie Boulevard Storage System. 


of gray and green infrastructure projects implemented 

pursuant to the ACJ. 

The 2009 revision to the ACJ requires Onondaga 

County to implement a modified AMP no later 

than August 1, 2010, to assess the response of 

water quality in the lake’s tributaries to CSO 

abatement projects. The County must also propose 

a plan to monitor both the quality and volume of 

CSO discharges to ensure that water quality standards 

and capture requirements are met. 

Figure 3-4. Green infrastructure: An example of porous 

pavement. (Source: Central New York Regional 


3. Implement education and outreach programs 

to encourage public awareness of the purpose and 

advantages of green infrastructure. 

A number of concerns exist with reliance upon 

green infrastructure to control the quantity of 

stormwater runoff entering the combined sewer 

system. Green infrastructure, depending on how it 

is implemented, may be installed partly or entirely 

on private property. Because of the need for 

regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning 

of green infrastructure practices, significant education 

efforts would be needed to inform property 

owners of the proper use and maintenance of 

the practices. Formal agreements with property 

owners or their local representatives may also be 

necessary. 

With respect to necessary education and outreach, 

the potential role of green infrastructure has been 

a part of the OLP Outreach Committee’s programs 

in the past and will, if relevant and appropriate, 

continue as a program element in the future. 

Onondaga County is also developing a green infrastructure 

public outreach program and has received 

$375,000 for program implementation from the 

Onondaga County Legislature. 

4. Modify the Ambient Monitoring Program as 

necessary to adequately assess the effectiveness 

Action Strategy 2. Complete construction of 

identified sewer separation and conveyance 

projects to abate designated CSOs as 

mandated by the ACJ, in cases where these 

are positively identified as the appropriate 

abatement approaches. 

Sewer separation involves construction of additional 

sewer line(s) in series with or parallel to the 

existing combined sewer line(s). At the completion 

of construction, one set of lines will handle only 

sanitary sewage, the other only stormwater. In 

addition to increasing overall system capacity, 

sewer separation eliminates the direct discharge 

of untreated sewage to tributaries of Onondaga 

Lake associated with high precipitation storms 

and major runoff events. In contrast, the purpose 

of installing conveyance pipes is to increase 

the capacity and storage volume available for 

combined sewage, thus greatly reducing the 

frequency of overflows. This is accomplished by 

connection of these conveyances to the existing 

sewer system and/or an RTF. 


1. Assess the appropriateness of sewer separation 

as means of CSO abatement, and proceed with 

sewer separation work as specified in the ACJ. 

Sewer separation is one of several options for 

abatement identified by the ACJ. Several sewer 

separation projects are planned; some of these 

are proceeding, while others are currently in the 

design stage. Although alternatives for proposed 

Page 50 


sewer separation projects that have not yet been 

constructed may be considered by the parties to the 

ACJ, sewer separation may proceed in cases where 

other alternatives are not feasible. 

2. Connect CSO 044 to the Midland RTF. 

The ACJ stipulates that no later than December 

31, 2011, Onondaga County must address CSO 

044 through construction of a conveyance pipeline 

to the existing Midland RTF (Figure 3-5), which 

presently has the capacity to attenuate the CSO 

volume for storm events of the magnitude and 

frequency specified by the ACJ. 

in Onondaga Creek during dry weather. While 

elevated bacteria concentrations are known to exist 

immediately after major rain events as a result of 

CSO discharges, elevated bacteria levels observed 

during dry weather are not as well understood. 

Therefore, a study is underway to identify point 

and/or non-point sources of high bacteria counts 

during low flow conditions. As part of the study, 

Onondaga Environmental Institute is sampling 

total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria during 

dry weather at several sites along Onondaga 

Creek and Harbor Brook. The sites identified 

to date generally include discharges of sewage 

to tributaries that are not a result of CSOs, but 

elimination of these sources will nonetheless 

advance the objective of achieving and/or 

maintaining water quality standards for bacteria in 

the Class B portion of the lake. 

Recommendations: 

Figure 3-5. Aerial view of the Midland RTF while under 

construction during 2005. (Source: Onondaga County) 

Action Strategy 3. Consistent with the 

OLMP and ACJ objectives of reducing 

bacteria inputs to Onondaga Lake, complete 

all phases of the project titled ‘Identification 

of the Primary Sources of Bacteria Loading 

in Selected Tributaries of Onondaga Lake’ 

to identify and address point and/or nonpoint 

source origins of elevated bacterial 

concentrations in the Onondaga Creek 

watershed during dry weather. 

In 2006 and 2007, data were presented to the 

OLP that indicated elevated levels of bacteria 

1. Continue the program to address existing data 

gaps, with the potential to expand the project 

scope to other tributaries on the NYSDEC list 

of impaired waters for which pathogens are a 

pollutant of concern if significant benefits are 

anticipated. 

Future phases of the program are expected to 

better define sources and address data gaps, including 

the role of sediment in contributing to elevated 

bacterial concentrations during dry weather, 

possible leakage of intercepting sewers into 

receiving waters, and investigation of the apparent 

loss of flow from Harbor Brook into a sewage 

conveyance line that ultimately flows to the lake. 

The project may be expanded to encompass a 

determination of the relative significance of CSOs, 

storm drains, tributaries and groundwater influx in 

urban areas, as well as identification of the nature 

and location of rural bacteria sources, during wet 

weather. Work may be expanded to all tributaries 

of Onondaga Lake presently on NYSDEC’s list 

of impaired waters (NYSDEC 2008b) for which 

pathogens are a pollutant of concern, beginning 

with Bloody Brook and Ley Creek. 


Presently, $145,000 in Onondaga County Environmental 

Benefit Project (EBP) funds is available to 

continue the program. An additional $210,000 in 

EPA grant dollars may also be available to supplement 

this funding. Additional funding may be 

necessary to complete the program if the scope is 

expanded. 

2. Take action to address identified pollution 

sources. 

To date, one source of dry-weather bacteria has 

been identified and repaired, with reduced bacteria 

levels documented in Onondaga Creek after repair. 

Additional suspected point and non-point sources 

have been identified. The amount of funding 

needed for the OLP to address remaining pollution 

sources will be dependent on the number and 

nature of sources identified. 

Strategic Areas 3&4: Industrial Pollution 

(National Priorities List Site and Other 

Adjacent Areas of Concern) 

The OLP has established the following goal for 

the Strategic Area of Industrial Pollution (National 

Priorities List Site): 

Goal 1. Conduct cleanup of eight areas 

(sub-sites) of the Onondaga Lake National 

Priorities List (NPL) site to meet health 

standards and reduce impacts upon the 

Onondaga Lake fishery, in accordance 

with cleanup plans approved by NYSDEC 

(and EPA, as applicable) for each of the 

respective sub-sites. 

The OLP has established the following goal 

relative to cleanup of industrial pollution at other 

adjacent areas of concern that contribute industrial 

pollution to Onondaga Lake: 

Goal 2. Conduct a cleanup of Other 

Adjacent Areas of Concern associated with 

the contamination of Onondaga Lake to 

meet health standards and reduce impacts 

upon the Onondaga Lake fishery, in 

accordance with cleanup plans issued for 

each of the respective sites. 

The action strategies and recommendations that 

follow have been established to accomplish these 

goals. A map showing the locations of sites and 

sub-sites can be found on Page 18 (Figure 2-6). 

All sites and sub-sites are subject to oversight by 

NYSDEC, with support by EPA. 

Action Strategy 1. Complete cleanup 

activities related to the Onondaga Lake 

Bottom NPL sub-site. 

Cleanup of the Onondaga Lake Bottom sub-site, 

which is integral to the future ecological health 

of the lake, will be coordinated with upland 

cleanup activities. This approach will ensure 

that significant active sources of contaminants 

in the lake’s watershed have been addressed. All 

cleanup activities for the Lake Bottom sub-site 

must be conducted in accordance with the cleanup 

plan issued by NYSDEC and the EPA in 2005 

(NYSDEC and EPA 2005). As designated under 

the terms of a Consent Decree dated 2006 5 , 

Honeywell International is completing the cleanup 

of the Onondaga Lake Bottom sub-site, with oversight 

by NYSDEC. The estimated cost for cleanup 

of the sub-site, as stated in the 2005 cleanup plan, 

is $451 million. 


1. Implement the approved work plan for the 

design of the cleanup of the Onondaga Lake 

Bottom sub-site with the opportunity for input from 

5. State of New York and Denise M. Sheehan as Trustee 

of Natural Resources v. Honeywell International, Inc. 89- 

CV-00815. October 11, 2006. 

Page 52 


Citizen Participation working groups and other 

public involvement efforts. 

Following the issuance of the cleanup plan, 

NYSDEC and Honeywell International formed 

several technical work groups to expedite the 

design process and adapt the design to new information 

that becomes available. The technical work 

groups are focused on the various design aspects 

of the project. The Work Plan for design and 

construction was finalized in March 2009 (Parsons 

2009b). 

NYSDEC is involving and informing the public 

throughout the course of the design and construction 

process in accordance with the March 2009 

Citizen Participation Plan (NYSDEC 2009). Public 

involvement is occurring through information 

meetings, stakeholder outreach, roundtable discussions 

with NYSDEC and Honeywell International 

representatives, and formal Citizen Participation 

working groups. The Citizen Participation 

working groups will continue to meet throughout 

the cleanup efforts, providing a forum to inform, 

receive input, and discuss the lake bottom remediation 

and citizen participation programs. 

2. Complete a comprehensive plan for habitat 

restoration of disturbed areas, including partial 

shoreline restoration. 

The 2006 Consent Decree requires Honeywell 

International to restore all areas subject to 

dredging and capping activities following their 

completion. The draft Habitat Restoration Plan 

was released for public information in 2009 

(Parsons 2009a) and will be completed in 2010. 

This plan will address issues such as thickness and 

composition of the lake bottom habitat layer, mitigation 

of lake surface area, and wetland mitigation. 

3. Finalize design documents for the sediment 

consolidation area (SCA). 

The SCA, which will be constructed on Wastebed 

13, will be the disposal area for most materials 

dredged from the lake bottom. Required components 

include a cap, liner, and wastewater collection 

and treatment system. Design of the SCA is 

anticipated to be complete in 2010 and construction 

is to begin in 2011. 

4. Design and construct water treatment facilities. 

The design of water treatment measures, including 

selection of technologies for treatment and the 

development of an operation and maintenance 

plan for the water treatment plant, is expected to 

be completed by 2010. Construction of the water 

treatment facility must be completed by 2012. 

Once constructed, the water treatment facility will 

treat water removed from the SCA and stormwater 

runoff. 

5. Complete a design and performance monitoring 

plan for dredging operations. 

The design for dredging operations, which will 

specify the methods for dredging and the locations 

of lake bottom dredging activities, is anticipated 

to be completed in 2011. Dredging operations will 

focus on areas containing high concentrations of 

mercury and other contaminants. The performance 

monitoring plan for the dredging operations is 

due to be completed in 2012. The purpose of the 

performance monitoring plan is to ensure that 

dredging operations are conducted with due care 

and in conformance with all applicable environmental 

requirements, to minimize the risk of 

pollutant release to the lake. Dredging operations 

are scheduled to begin in May 2012, and conclude 

in 2016. 

6. Complete a design for capping of lake bottom 

sediments by the end of 2011. 

Two methods of capping will be used; isolation 

capping and thin-layer capping. Isolation capping 

is used to completely isolate the underlying 

material from the surrounding environment. Thinlayer 

capping is used over less polluted sediments 

where natural recovery may be possible through 


processes such as sediment accumulation on top of 

the cap. 

7. Complete assessments to select a treatment 

technology to control the formation of 

methylmercury. 

The concept of nitrate addition to deep-water areas 

of the lake during the summer months is being 

studied by Honeywell International to determine 

its effectiveness in controlling methylmercury 

production. Field trials of nitrate application took 

place during 2009; the trials were successful, 

and a pilot project is scheduled to be undertaken 

during 2010. A report on the pilot project results is 

planned to be completed in 2011. 

8. Complete construction and implementation 

work related to all aspects of the Work Plan and 

design outlined above by 2017. 

Full implementation of the Onondaga Lake 

Bottom remediation is anticipated to take about 

five years. The closure and covering of the 

sediment consolidation area, which is the final 

stage in the construction process, is anticipated to 

occur in 2017. 

the cleanup plan issued in 2002. It is anticipated 

that the new plan will be released in 2010. 

2. Complete additional work, including barrier 

wall installation and groundwater collection. 

The purpose of the barrier wall and groundwater 

collection system located along the west shoreline 

of Onondaga Lake, is to prevent contaminated 

groundwater related to the Semet Ponds and 

former Willis Avenue facility from entering 

Onondaga Lake. The groundwater from the collection 

system is conveyed to the Willis Avenue 

groundwater treatment plant. Construction of the 

barrier wall and groundwater collection system 

has been completed. In addition, a shallow collection 

trench will be installed to prevent discharge 

of groundwater to Tributary 5A, a small stream 

that conveys flow from the area adjacent to Semet 

Ponds to the southwestern portion of Onondaga 

Lake. The design of this system is nearly complete 

and construction of the system will occur in 2010. 

Action Strategy 2. Complete implementation 

of the cleanup plan for the Semet 

Residue Ponds sub-site. 

Per a 2004 administrative consent order signed 

with NYSDEC, Honeywell International is responsible 

for completing cleanup at the Semet Residue 

Ponds sub-site (Figure 3-6), with oversight by 

NYSDEC. The estimated present-worth cost of the 

final remedy for the site, as per the 2002 cleanup 

plan (Record of Decision) was $46 to $56 million. 

However, since the previously selected remedy is 

being revised, the final estimated cost will change. 


1. Complete and release a modified cleanup plan. 

The NYSDEC and EPA are currently modifying 

Figure 3-6. An aerial view of the Semet Ponds sub-site. 

(Source: NYSDEC) 

Action Strategy 3. Implement a cleanup 

plan for the Willis Avenue sub-site. 

Upon issuance of a cleanup plan by the NYSDEC, 

Honeywell will be requested to enter into a legal 

agreement to implement cleanup actvities at the 

Page 54 


Willis Avenue sub-site, with oversight by the 

NYSDEC. 

Honeywell International is nearing completion of 

the cleanup of the Linden Chemical and Plastics 

(LCP)/Bridge Street sub-site, with oversight by 

NYSDEC, pursuant to a 2002 consent order, at a 

cost of about $14 million. Installation of a groundwater 

collection system, excavation of sediment 

in the wetlands and West Flume, installation of a 

temporary cap over contaminated material, and 

restoration of habitat have all been completed. 


1. Construct final cap in accordance with the 

approved cleanup plan. 

Figure 3-7. The groundwater collection and treatment 

system is an Interim Remedial Measure that is 

associated with the Willis Avenue sub-site. The system 

removes contaminants such as mercury and organic 

compounds from groundwater. (Source: Central New 

York Regional Planning & Development Board) 


1. Complete ongoing Interim Remedial Measures. 

The barrier wall at the Willis Avenue sub-site, 

completed in 2009, will prevent contaminated 

groundwater from migrating into Onondaga Lake. 

Habitat lost as a result of construction will be 

replaced by creating aquatic habitat at a nearby 

location. 

2. Complete analysis of cleanup alternatives and 

develop final cleanup plan by 2012. 

The source of benzene contamination in deep 

groundwater at the sub-site will be investigated. 

If determined to originate from the Willis Avenue 

operations, remediation of this contamination 

will be part of the cleanup plan. Remaining site 

remediation activities will be completed in accordance 

with a cleanup plan approved by NYSDEC, 

scheduled to be issued in 2012. 

Action Strategy 4. Implement cleanup plan 

for the LCP/Bridge Street sub-site. 

Installation of the final cap is dependent upon 

completion of remedial work at the Geddes Brook/ 

Ninemile Creek Site, which is described in more 

detail in Action Strategy 9 of this section. Due 

to the site’s proximity to the Ninemile Creek 

and Geddes Brook work area, and the fact that 

the mercury contamination in the floodplains 

originated from the Bridge Street facility, the LCP 

Bridge Street site is a convenient and appropriate 

location for permanent disposal of the excavated 

or dredged material. 

2. Continue the Operation, Monitoring, and Maintenance 

Program for site resources. 

Wetland and stream restoration activities took 

place at the LCP/Bridge Street site in 2007. The 

ecological restoration activities consisted of plantings 

and controlled hydrologic regimes that will 

require significant monitoring and maintenance to 

aid in their long-term effectiveness. Monitoring of 

the wetlands and West Flume will continue for a 

five-year period. 

3. Implement the Operation, Monitoring, and 

Maintenance (OM&M) Program for the groundwater 

collection system and cap. 

Adherence to the designated OM&M program will 

ensure that the groundwater collection system and 

cap function as intended. 



for Wastebed B/ Harbor Brook sub-site. 

Upon entering into a consent order with NYSDEC, 

Honeywell International will be responsible for 

cleanup of the Wastebed B/ Harbor Brook sub-site, 

with oversight by NYSDEC. 


1. Complete analysis of cleanup alternatives and 

development of final cleanup plan. 

A revised Remedial Investigation (RI) Report and 

draft Feasibility Study (FS) Report are scheduled 

to be submitted by 2010. NYSDEC and EPA will 

issue, and Honeywell will implement, the final 

cleanup plan for the site including commencement 

of any necessary habitat restoration work by 2012. 

2. Complete installation of barrier wall and 

groundwater collection system. 

The Wastebed B/Harbor Brook barrier wall 

and groundwater collection system project is 

underway. Construction of the western portion of 

the wall commenced in 2009. Construction of the 

eastern wall and upper Harbor Brook sections are 

anticipated to begin in 2010. It is expected that the 

construction will be completed in 2012. 


for the Salina Town Landfill sub-site. 

In accordance with a State Assistance Contract and 

a consent order with NYSDEC, the town of Salina 

has agreed to perform cleanup of the Salina Town 

Landfill sub-site, with financial assistance and 

oversight by NYSDEC. The total estimated cost 

of the Salina Town Landfill site cleanup is $23.5 

million, according to the NYSDEC cleanup plan 

(NYSDEC and EPA 2007). 


1. Design and construct a leachate and groundwater 

collection trench system. 

The leachate and groundwater collection system 

will remove contaminated groundwater from the 

landfill. Design of the system will be completed 

in 2010, and construction of the system will 

commence in the same year. This system will be 

accompanied by the design and construction of 

an onsite groundwater and leachate pre-treatment 

plant. Pre-treated leachate and groundwater will be 

routed to the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater 

Treatment Plant (METRO). 

2. Implement remaining site cleanup activities. 

Remaining remediation activities include excavation 

and consolidation of contaminated sediments, 

capping of landfill areas north and south of Ley 

Creek, construction of drainage controls and 

fencing, and construction of a 150,000 gallon 

storage tank for excess stormwater. These actions 

are due to be completed in 2011. Long-term 

monitoring and maintenance of the site will also 

commence at this time. 

3. Implement institutional controls to prohibit 

residential use and other incompatible uses in 

accordance with the cleanup plan, and determine 

the best allowable use of the property. 

Required actions to establish the ultimate use of 

the landfill site are due to be completed by 2012. 


for the General Motors (GM) Inland Fisher 

Guide (IFG) Facility sub-site. 

Upon entering into consent order with NYSDEC, 

GM will be responsible for cleanup of the IFG site, 



1. Implement the cleanup plan for sediment 

and groundwater contamination, to be issued by 

Page 56 


NYSDEC by 2012. 

The remaining site impacts are to sediment and 

groundwater, which are contaminated with polychlorinated 

biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic 

compounds (VOCs) from solvents, and metals. 

Effects of the groundwater contamination on 

adjacent wetlands are being evaluated. 

Action Strategy 8. Ensure continued 

effectiveness of completed cleanup activities 

at the Ley Creek PCB Dredgings sub-site. 

In accordance with a 1997 cleanup plan (NYSDEC 

1997), and under the terms of a 1999 consent order 

signed with NYSDEC, GM is responsible for continued 

maintenance of the Ley Creek contaminated 

sediment disposal sub-site. Oversight by NYSDEC 

will continue. Cleanup activities have been fully 

implemented at the site for a cost of approximately 

$6.7 million. 


1. Continue maintenance and monitoring program 

at the site, and complete five-year review of the site 

activities by January 2012. 

Ongoing activities include maintenance accompanied 

by environmental monitoring at the site 

to ensure that the remedies continue to remain 

effective. 

Action Strategy 9. Develop and implement 

a plan for the cleanup of the Geddes 

Brook/Ninemile Creek floodplain soils and 

sediments. 

The Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek site is considered 

an extension of the Onondaga Lake Bottom 

NPL sub-site. Upon entering into a legal agreement 

with the NYSDEC, Honeywell International 

will implement the cleanup of the Geddes Brook 

and Ninemile Creek floodplain sediments, with 

oversight by NYSDEC. Sediments within the 

floodplains of Geddes Brook and Ninemile Creek 

are contaminated with mercury and other toxic 

substances; these streams have been the major 

pathway of mercury contamination to Onondaga 

Lake. It is critical that the source and avenue of 

pollution be removed in order to prevent possible 

recontamination of the remediated lake bottom (as 

discussed under Strategic Area 3). 


1. Complete the cleanup plan and remedial 

design, and implement cleanup activities. 

A cleanup plan for the first phase of work (lower 

Geddes Brook and the “upstream” portion of 

Ninemile Creek) was finalized by NYSDEC in 

April 2009 (NYSDEC and EPA 2009a). This phase 

includes the lowermost segment of Geddes Brook 

and the “upstream” portion of Ninemile Creek, 

which is the section adjacent to Wastebeds 9 and 

10. The document details plans for excavation, 

consolidation and capping of contaminated sediments 

from the stream channel and floodplain. The 

cleanup plan includes dredging and excavation 

of 59,000 cubic yards of material with a total 

remediation area of 14.7 acres, and capping of 

some of the area. The channel and floodplain 

will be completely remediated under this option. 

Dredged sediment will be deposited and capped 

at the nearby LCP/Bridge Street sub-site or at the 

sediment consolidation area being constructed 

on Wastebed 13 as part of the remediation of 

Onondaga Lake. This cleanup is estimated to 

require a capital cost expenditure of $18.9 million, 

with an average annual maintenance cost of 

$105,000. Total construction time required for 

implementation would be approximately two 

years; construction will commence in 2010. 

The final cleanup plan for the second phase of 

work (the “downstream” portion of Ninemile 

Creek) was issued by NYSDEC in October 2009 

(NYSDEC and EPA 2009b). The second phase 

includes the reach of Ninemile Creek downstream 

of Route 690. Under the proposed cleanup plan, 

58,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment will 

be removed from an area of approximately 15 


acres, and replaced by clean materials. Sediment 

disposal would occur at either the LCP Bridge 

Street containment area or Wastebed 13. Stream 

beds and banks, wetlands, and habitat will be 

restored following the sediment removal, including 

placement of appropriate substrates and wetland 

and upland vegetation. The approximate cost of 

the cleanup for the second phase is $16.5 million. 

Upon entering into a judicial consent order with 

the NYSDEC, Honeywell International will 

commence design of both phases of cleanup. 

2. Complete interim cleanup work required by the 

2002 consent order. 

Full removal of contaminated channel sediment 

and contaminated floodplain soil to the clean clay 

layer beneath Lower Geddes Brook will be conducted 

under a 2002 NYSDEC consent order. This 

project will involve a realignment of the Geddes 

Brook channel and restoration of the channel 

and wetland, and will be performed prior to the 

Ninemile Creek cleanup. 

Action Strategy 10. Develop a plan for 

the cleanup of the Niagara Mohawk 

Manufactured Gas Plant Site. 


National Grid will be responsible for completing 

cleanup activities at the Niagara Mohawk 

Hiawatha Boulevard manufactured gas plant site, 


on a regular schedule following completion of this 

effort. 

Action Strategy 11. Develop and implement 

a plan for the cleanup of the Waste Beds 1-8 

Site, and implement a groundwater control 

plan. 


Honeywell International will be responsible for 

completing the cleanup of this site, with oversight 

by NYSDEC. 


1. Develop and implement a cleanup plan. 

A cleanup plan will be developed by NYSDEC for 

the site by 2011. 

2. Design and construct a groundwater control 

system. 

This item includes assessment of alternatives, and 

the design and construction of a groundwater collection 

and treatment system to prevent contaminated 

groundwater from reaching Onondaga Lake. 

A design plan for the groundwater control system 

is expected to be released in March 2010. 


1. Develop and implement a cleanup plan and 

remedial design. 

A cleanup plan will be developed by the NYSDEC 

for the site in 2010. The plan will address heavy 

metals, cyanides, and coal and petroleum byproducts 

remaining beneath the site as a result of 

past energy generation activities. It is anticipated 

that implementation of the plan will be completed 

in 2011. Groundwater monitoring will continue 

Figure 3-8. A view of the Solvay waste beds on the west 

shore of Onondaga Lake. (Source: Onondaga Environmental 

Institute) 

Page 58 


3. Design and construct shoreline stabilization 

practices. 

Action Strategy 1. Determine and 

implement the best course of action relative 

to the Tully Valley mudboils, dependent on 

availability of funding sources. 

The highly erodible material of the wastebeds 

has been steadily washing into Onondaga Lake, 

Sources of federal funding for maintenance of the 

carrying with it various contaminants. An appropriate 

shoreline stabilization system, which may 

existing mudboil remedies, including the diversion 

partly consist of establishment of vegetation 

of flow from the mudboil area, depressurizing 

adapted to saline environments, will hold waste wells, and sediment containment area, are rapidly 

material in place, thus preventing further degradation 

of the lake environment. 

current funding is expended. Required mainte- 

diminishing and are not guaranteed after the 

nance includes ensuring continuous functioning 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic 

of depressurizing wells, periodic dredging of the 

Investigations. 

sediment-filled containment areas, and repair of 

flow-measuring and flow diversion structures. 

The OLP established the following goal concerning 

mudboil activity and other geologic phenom- 

the level of sediment entering Onondaga Creek 

These practices, when properly maintained, hold 

ena in the Tully Valley: 

from the mudboils to approximately 0.5 to 1.0 

ton per day on average (USGS 1999). Figure 3-9 

Goal 1. Improve water quality in Onondaga shows the decline in sediment discharge from the 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic Investigations 

Lake by maximizing reduction of sediment mudboils that occurred as a result of management 

loading to Onondaga In Tully Valley, Creek 18 miles from south geologic of Syracuse, hydrogeologic activities, features which called began mudboils in have the contributed early 1990s. significant Without 

amounts of sediment to Onondaga Creek by discharging sediment‐filled water at the land surface. Heavier sand 

phenomena in the Tully Valley, including 

particles settle to the creek bottom while the finer‐grained 

these forms 

silt and 

of 

clay 

mitigation, 

are carried by 

sediment 

water in the 

discharge 

creek, sometimes 

mudboils and landslide as far as the activity. Inner Harbor of Onondaga Lake. During would high flow be events, expected the coarser to return sand becomes to its pre-existing 

re‐suspended, and 

can eventually be deposited at the Inner Harbor. range Sedimentation of 15 negatively to 30 tons impacts per habitat day (OLP for aquatic 2008). insects, 

Without mitigation plants, of various and fish. sediment loading 

sources, including mudboils, In 1991, a Mudboil deposition Working Group of of local, 

Sediment Discharge from Mudboil Depression Area 

sediment at the mouth State of and the Federal creek agencies in the was Syracuse created by the 

Onondaga Lake Management Conference 

Inner Harbor has historically been heavy enough 

(OLMC) to study potential solutions to the 

to warrant repeated problem. dredging It was about learned every that flow six from years the 

(additional discussion mudboils of this varies issue seasonally can be in response found to 

under Strategic Area changes 7). Sediment in artesian pressure. accumulation The mudboils are 

in the Inner Harbor 

most 

has 

active 

impeded 

in the spring, 

recreational 

when groundwater 

recharge is highest. In 1992, surface water flow 

activities such as boating, 

to the mudboil 

and has 

depression 

also negatively 

area, or MDA (the 

impacted the aesthetics main area of the of mudboil area by activity) creating was diverted to a 

turbid or “muddy” conditions tributary of Onondaga in the Creek, Inner reducing Harbor flow into 

waters. Sedimentation the MDA also and negatively causing sediment impacts load from the 

area to Onondaga Creek to decrease by 50 

habitat for aquatic insects, plants and fish. Therefore, 

control of mudboil along with and construction landslide of activity an impoundment has 

percent. Installation of depressurizing wells, 

important implications dam to for capture water sediment, quality further in the reduced 

Inner Harbor and lake. sediment The load following from the mudboils action to strategies 

and recommendations have been developed to 

Since mudboil management began, sediment load to Onondaga Creek from 

only 5 

Year 

percent of its original level. 

Figure 3-9. Decline in sediment discharge from the 

mitigate these geologic Continuation phenomena. of these mitigation efforts requires the Tully Valley Mudboils has declined from 30 tons per day to less than 1 ton 

mudboil depression area (MDA) since the beginning 

maintenance and monitoring presently provided 

per day. (Source: USGS) 

of management activities in the early 1990s. (Source: 

by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). 

USGS) 

Because available funding is limited, the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) is examining several options for long‐term 

management of the mudboils. With assistance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 

OLP has completed two pilot projects to study how to reduce water from entering the aquifer up‐gradient of the 

mudboil area in an attempt to develop a new control strategy. 

Chapter 3: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies Page 59 

Sediment, in Tons Per Day 

1993 

1995 

1997 

1999 

2001 

2003 

2005 

2007 

Sediment loading to Onondaga Creek also results 

from erosion of stream banks and roadway


1. Seek necessary funding from applicable sources 

to accomplish the selected course of action for 

mitigation of the Tully Valley mudboils. 

In a September 2008 white paper titled “Tully 

Valley Mudboils: Long-term Management 

Needs”, three long-term options for addressing the 

mudboils were presented by the OLP Executive 

Committee (OLP 2008). These alternatives are as 

follows: 

•• Option 1. Discontinue all remedial activities. All 

monitoring equipment and the mudboil area dam 

would be removed, depressurizing wells would be 

grouted shut, and upper watershed flow may possibly 

be returned to its original drainage pattern. The 

approximate cost of mudboil closure activities would 

be $150,000; funds in the amount of $20,000 to 

$30,000 currently maintained in escrow could be used 

to partially cover this cost. 

•• Option 2. Continue ongoing control actions 

(status quo). This option assumes the present level 

of discharge monitoring conducted by USGS (regular 

monitoring of mudboil outflows, well discharges, water 

quality and rainfall; weekly sediment sampling; annual 

reports; maintenance of remedial practices and development 

of remedial technologies; and monitoring of 

the Rattlesnake and Rainbow Creek landslides). The 

annual program cost for these services is estimated 

to be $210,000, and is subject to increase pending 

unexpected occurrences and changes in hydrogeologic 

conditions that may warrant emergency actions. Operations 

and maintenance would continue as needed. 

Mudboil impacts would continue at the present level 

of about 0.5 to 1 ton per day. 

•• Option 3. Enhanced mudboil stewardship. While 

continuing existing operation of maintenance as discussed 

under Option 2 above, this option also includes 

expansion of the existing program to control mudboil 

discharges at their source. The influx of up-gradient 

surface runoff through the groundwater system, which 

ultimately emerges as discharge from the mudboils, 

would be studied. The goal would be to reduce daily 

sediment discharges, leaving only seasonal (spring and 

fall) discharges, with the potential of eventually lessening 

the need for maintenance of other controls in the 

long-term. In addition to the continued annual cost of 

$210,000 as discussed above, this option would also 

require an initial one-time cost estimated at $620,000. 

The anticipated reduction in annual maintenance costs 

is expected to pay back some or all of the additional 

start up cost if this option is selected. Because pilot 

projects qualify for research dollars for which current 

maintenance activities are not eligible, funding prospects 

may be better to support Option 3 as compared 

to Option 2. 

A fourth option not discussed in the September 

2008 white paper involves scaling back the 

mudboil monitoring and control maintenance 

program currently being carried out by the OLP. 

The Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation 

District (OCSWCD), which has assisted in 

the current remedial activities at the mudboils, 

would be responsible for oversight of the mudboil 

area. The existing control practices at the mudboils 

would generally be maintained. Through maintenance 

and repair efforts, OCSWCD would respond 

to significant changes in geologic activity that, if 

left unchecked, could lead to renewed sediment 

loading to Onondaga Creek. This alternative may 

be explored as an interim measure while awaiting 

funding in an amount capable of supporting a 

larger program. It is estimated that a scaled back 

program, including only the basic maintenance 

functions, could be implemented by OCSWCD 

at a cost of $50,000 per year to cover program 

administration and provide an escrow reserve for 

repair projects. Neither monitoring nor reporting 

would be included under this option. An identified 

source of funding would be required in order to 

complete this work. 

Action Strategy 2. Evaluate the outcome 

of pilot studies to lower groundwater 

artesian pressure at upgradient source 

areas, and conduct additional studies as 

necessary to fully evaluate source control 

Page 60 


as an alternative solution for mudboil 

management. 

Pilot studies are being conducted that seek to 

reduce mudboil activity at the source rather than 

attempting to control the mudboils where they 

emerge. Preliminary data suggest that the control 

of surface water inflow to the mudboil aquifer will 

reduce mudboil activity. 

activity (Figure 3-10). The volume of water in 

the outflow channel at Big Sink was monitored 

simultaneously with artesian pressure in mudboils 

to the north. The cost of this pilot study was 

approximately $25,000. 

An additional pilot study was undertaken by USGS 

at the west brine field. A layer of clay was added to 

another major subsidence area to block flow from 

entering underground solution areas, forcing runoff 

water to remain in the surface water channel and 

flow to Onondaga Creek, reducing its contribution 

to mudboil activity down-gradient to the north. 

The cost of this pilot study was approximately 

$16,000. 

Results of the above pilot studies will be evaluated 

after several years of data collection. At that 

time, it will be determined whether source control 

(Option 3) represents the best option for long-term 

control of mudboil activity, and if funding can be 

secured to fully implement an effective source 

control program. 

Figure 3-10. Pilot study activity at the mudboils. The 

photo shows Big Sink outlet, excavated to a depth of 

about 15 feet to maintain the water level in Big Sink 

at summer low levels. The work reduces seasonal 

fluctuations in the influx to Big Sink that are believed to 

contribute to mudboil activity. (Source: USGS) 


1. Assess pilot study results to determine whether 

or not they demonstrate a reduction in mudboil 

activity that can be attributed to diversion of 

surface water from entering the aquifer. 

A pilot study was undertaken by USGS in the east 

brine field in a subsidence area known as the Big 

Sink, which experiences a water level fluctuation 

of 15 vertical feet per year. A channel was excavated 

along one side of the sinkhole to maintain 

the water at summer levels, preventing increased 

ground water infiltration due to snowmelt and 

spring runoff that can lead to increased mudboil 

2. Complete additional studies as necessary in 

support of development of source control methods 

to manage mudboil activity. 

Source control of the mudboils may be the most 

practical long-term solution to the problem, 

given the difficulties encountered in securing 

perpetual funding to continue current control 

activities. Depending on the outcome of current 

and proposed studies, funding should be sought for 

permanent source control programs. Future studies 

expanding on the initial pilots are being considered 

in order to refine source control methods and 

establish the approach as a permanent solution. 

If deemed effective, similar work might next be 

attempted on a much larger scale at the alluvial 

fans of Rainbow Creek and Rattlesnake Gulf, as 

these two areas are also sources of surface water 

that infiltrate to the mudboil aquifer. A total of 

$166,000 in federal funds from EPA has been 

approved to date to study enhanced remediation 

options. However, far greater long-term costs 


would be associated with full implementation of 

large-scale source control efforts. 

Action Strategy 3. Complete studies to 

determine the contribution of sediment to 

Onondaga Creek and Lake from landslides 

in the Tully Valley, and determine if there 

are any remedial actions that could be taken 

to minimize damage to the water resource. 

Two reports are being prepared outlining the 

contributing sediment load from the landslides to 

Onondaga Creek. However, no permanent remedy 

has been identified to stop landslide activity in the 

two tributary valleys (Rainbow Creek and Rattlesnake 

Gulf) due to difficult access and the steep, 

unstable nature of the slopes (Kappel 2009). The 

most critical course of action now is to continue 

regular maintenance of bridges, roadways, and 

culverts, excavating sediment within the limits 

allowed by NYSDEC to reduce the discharge of 

sediment that ultimately reaches Onondaga Creek. 


1. Provide financial and technical support for 

state, county, and town highway and transportation 

departments to ensure that regular maintenance 

of roadways in landslide-prone areas 

remains a priority. 

Tully Farms Road, which is owned by Onondaga 

County, requires routine maintenance and removal 

of eroded sediment from roadside ditches and 

drainage systems by the Onondaga County Department 

of Transportation. Eroded sediment originates 

from ongoing geologic activity on the slope 

of Dutch Hill, including spring emergence and 

continued slope instability. Sediment also is generated 

by ongoing geologic activity on the south 

slope of Rainbow Creek west of I-81, consisting 

of spring discharge and continued slope instability. 

The removal of sediment and handling of drainage 

issues along Tully Farms Road is addressed 

through annual maintenance work comparable in 

cost and effort to that of neighboring roads. 

The point at which New York State Route 11A 

crosses Rainbow Creek is subject to significant 

maintenance work requiring the commitment of 

equipment (i.e. an excavator or bulldozer) by New 

York State Department of Transportation for as 

much as one month per year. This work is necessary 

to prevent clogging of the culvert that carries 

Rainbow Creek beneath Route 11A. 

Action Strategy 4. Continue education and 

outreach programs to foster awareness of 

the impact of the natural and anthropogenic 

sources of sedimentation (mudboils, 

landslides) on water quality in Onondaga 

Lake and its watershed. 


1. Obtain funding to continue and expand the 

existing USGS public outreach program. 

Continued education and outreach are needed 

to raise public awareness of the impacts of 

mudboils and landslide activity on water quality in 

Onondaga Creek and ultimately, Onondaga Lake. 

On behalf of the OLP, USGS has taken the lead 

role in providing this outreach through talks at 

universities, schools, and to the general public. In 

addition to the distribution of fact sheets and other 

informational publications, occasional tours of the 

mudboils and landslides are conducted by USGS. 

Presently, no funding is available for USGS to 

conduct this work; an annual budget of $20,000 

would support activities similar to what has been 

done in the past. 

Strategic Area 6: Fish and Wildlife 

Habitat and Fisheries Management 

The OLP has established three goals relative to 

fisheries and aquatic habitat in Onondaga Lake. 

Achieving these goals will require a coordinated 

and cooperative effort among entities such as 

NYSDEC, Honeywell International, Onondaga 

County, and other resource managers and scientists 

Page 62 


in the community. It is likely that management 

decisions will change in response to new information 

and improved understanding of the lake’s 

ecosystem. 

Goal 1. Maintain a healthy and diverse 

native fish community in Onondaga Lake, 

able to support a resident coolwater fishery 

and a transient coldwater fishery, by 

restoring and/or sustaining necessary lake 

and tributary habitats. 

Management of Onondaga Lake must be based on 

sound ecological principles for multiple purposes 

and users. Future management decisions must 

consider the lake’s consumptive and recreational 

fishery and what is ecologically desirable for the 

native aquatic community. 

This goal has been partly achieved. A recovering 

coolwater fishery exists in Onondaga Lake that 

includes several game species. Species such as 

lake sturgeon are returning to the lake, and fish 

populations are increasing. 

The 1993 OLMP presented a long-term objective 

of maximizing, to the degree attainable, the 

coldwater fishery in Onondaga Lake by providing 

suitable year-round habitat. However, it has been 

recognized that numerous factors play a role 

in determining the extent to which a coldwater 

fishery can be sustained in the lake. 

Barriers to fish migration between the lake 

and other bodies of water are one factor to be 

addressed in consideration of establishing a 

resident coldwater fishery. Dams and habitat degradation 

are present both in tributaries to the lake 

and in downstream rivers that link Onondaga Lake 

to other regional lakes and to Lake Ontario. 

The morphology of the lake is also a key factor 

that affects coldwater fish support. Onondaga 

Lake, like many lakes of comparable size in temperate 

climates, experiences seasonal layering, or 

stratification, in which temperatures and dissolved 

oxygen conditions differ markedly between the 

epilimnion (upper layer) and hypolimnion (lower 

layer) of water in the lake. During summer, only 

the hypolimnion contains temperatures suitable for 

coldwater fish. However, anoxic conditions occur 

in the hypolimnion during the summer months, 

and these conditions cannot be tolerated by fish 

and many other forms of aquatic life. 

Dissolved oxygen levels in the lake are affected by 

many factors, one of which is phosphorus loading. 

Current lake models under development will be 

used to predict the effect of phosphorus on oxygen 

demand. Oxygen demand is also affected by the 

introduction of organic matter to the lake. Stratification, 

while primarily caused by temperature 

differences, is exacerbated by the elevated salinity 

of the lake, which increases the density differences 

between the layers of water and the resulting 

seasonal oxygen deficits. 

At the present time, it appears that Onondaga Lake 

can support a transient coldwater fishery. Coldwater 

fishes have recently been documented in the 

lake during all seasons except summer. Although 

nearby Otisco Lake is significantly impacted by 

human activity, its present condition can be used 

as a benchmark for short-term recovery potential 

in Onondaga Lake. Otisco Lake, which is similar 

to Onondaga Lake in size, depth, latitude, orientation, 

and depth to surface area ratios, lacks 

historic record of coldwater fishes. Historic and 

current conditions in Otisco Lake suggest that 

in Onondaga Lake, summer oxygen levels in the 

hypolimnion are unlikely to reach a level capable 

of supporting resident coldwater fishes within the 

timeframe in which current management decisions 

must be made. There is evidence that at least one 

coldwater fish species (cisco or whitefish) once 

thrived in Onondaga Lake, but historic documentation 

of native fish fauna in Onondaga Lake is 

incomplete. A transient coldwater fishery continues 

to be the most feasible short-term management 

framework for Onondaga Lake. 

Goal 2. Reduce and/or mitigate the 

effects of wave erosion, past oncolite 


formation, sediment contamination, and 

other environmental issues in order to 

restore habitat throughout the lake and its 

surrounding area. 

Formation of oncolites in the shoreline sediment 

of Onondaga Lake may be diminishing. Many 

areas occupied by oncolites have been colonized 

by zebra mussels or aquatic macrophytes. Remediation 

of these areas, including removal and/or 

capping of contaminated sediments as required, 

will improve substrate suitability for fish and 

desirable macrophytes. Initially, progress toward 

achieving this goal will be driven by habitat restoration 

performed by Honeywell International under 

NYSDEC oversight, as part of the Onondaga Lake 

remediation described in Strategic Area 3. 

Goal 3. Complete restoration activities 

necessary to make Ninemile Creek, 

Onondaga Creek, and other tributaries 

suitable for spawning and rearing of native 

fishes. 

Common sources of aquatic habitat degradation 

such as sewage, excess sediment, and contaminants 

continue to negatively impact salmonid production 

in Onondaga Lake tributaries (Coghlan & 

Ringler 2005). Physical habitat characteristics are 

generally favorable and temperature regimes have 

improved to within the range of tolerance for salmonids 

and other fishes. Through further control 

and reduction of pollutant sources, spawning and 

rearing of salmonids and other fishes in Onondaga 

Lake tributaries may again be possible. Restoration 

activities are being investigated on a number 

of fronts to restore native coldwater fish to the 

tributaries of Onondaga Lake. 

The following action strategies are being pursued 

in an effort to accomplish the above goals. 

Action Strategy 1. Complete a habitat 

restoration plan for Onondaga Lake that 

identifies sensitive aquatic habitats affected 

by remedial actions and associated habitat 

improvements for lake fisheries. 

This action item is being initially pursued through 

a cooperative effort by NYSDEC, EPA, and 

Honeywell International in association with the 

cleanup of the Onondaga Lake NPL site pursuant 

to the 2006 Consent Decree. Thus far, cooperating 

entities have developed lists of representative 

species for fish, mammals, birds, amphibians, 

reptiles, and plants that are anticipated to use the 

remediated aquatic and upland habitats. These lists 

provide a basis for addressing substrate and habitat 

needs for all organisms expected to benefit from 

remediation. 


1. Identify specific habitat improvements that will 

support utilization of the lake and its shoreline by 

target species. 

Habitat improvements selected for implementation 

will likely support a range of species similar 

to the target species. The Onondaga Lake habitat 

restoration plan may provide the framework for an 

analogous plan extending to the entire watershed. 

As this effort is part of the remediation program 

for the Onondaga Lake Bottom NPL sub-site, 

associated costs are included in the estimated total 

for the activities discussed in Strategic Area 3&4, 

Industrial Pollution: National Priorities List (NPL) 

Site and Other Adjacent Areas of Concern. A draft 

plan outlining remedial design elements for habitat 

restoration was released for public comment in 

December 2009 (Parsons 2009a). 

Action Strategy 2. Identify and implement 

habitat improvements (water quality, vegetative 

cover, substrate, access, food supply, 

and other habitat requirements) that are 

necessary to improve the existing transient 

coldwater fishery in Onondaga Lake. 

Page 64 


The continued existence of a transient coldwater 

fishery in Onondaga Lake is heavily dependent 

on the capacity of major tributaries to the lake, 

as well as the outlet of Onondaga Lake and the 

Seneca River, to support coldwater fishes during 

the summer months, when conditions in the lake 

itself are not favorable. Fishes that are able to 

reside year-round in the tributaries, the outlet and 

the Seneca River in both the juvenile and adult life 

cycle stages will generally utilize the lake during 

the spring, fall, and winter months. 

Water quality improvements, such as those to be 

achieved by addressing CSOs and remediation 

of industrial pollution, must succeed in order 

for coldwater fishes to fully take advantage of 

favorable habitat elements in the lower reaches 

of Onondaga Creek. Habitat in the lower reaches 

of Onondaga Creek is believed to be sufficient 

to support juvenile Atlantic salmon populations 

(Coghlan & Ringler 2005). Cover and substrate 

are within the range demonstrated to be suitable 

in other streams inhabited by coldwater fish. The 

headwaters already offer suitable conditions for 

growth and survival, although flood control dams 

at Dorwin Avenue and on the Onondaga Nation 

Territory (refer to map in Appendix A) limit 

upstream fish movement to these areas. Water 

quality conditions presently limit the ability of 

lower Onondaga Creek to support native salmonids 

(Coghlan & Ringler 2005). 

2. Complete improvements to habitat structure 

and composition in lower Ninemile Creek and 

Geddes Brook. 

Figure 3-11. Although channelized, the lower portion of 

Onondaga Creek contains several wooded reaches with 

the potential to provide spawning and rearing habitat 

for native fishes. (Source: Central New York Regional 



1. Continue to pursue water quality improvements 

to increase the probability of utilization of physical 

habitat in lower Onondaga Creek by coldwater 

fishes. 

Improvements to habitat characteristics must 

occur in the lower reaches of Ninemile Creek and 

Geddes Brook in order for these tributaries to 

support coldwater fishes. Restoration efforts that 

are planned in association with remediation of the 

Onondaga Lake Bottom NPL sub-site will increase 

the likelihood that these areas will be able to 

support residency by adult and juvenile coldwater 

and coolwater fish. These improvements include 

replacing the dredged sediment in Ninemile Creek 

and Geddes Brook with coarser material and 

establishing some riffle zones, although the lack of 

gradient in these streams may remain a hindrance 

to achieving suitable velocity-depth regimes. 

3. Consider and assess the appropriate and 

achievable aquatic life objective for Onondaga 

Lake through studies used for the development of 

the phosphorus TMDL, with due consideration of 


the numerous factors that affect the type of fish 

community the lake can ultimately sustain. 

Modeling in support of the phosphorus TMDL 

is one tool that can be used to provide additional 

insight into the potential recovery of dissolved 

oxygen levels. However, these results must be 

interpreted in the context of biological, geological, 

and climatological factors (including those noted 

in the discussion of Goals earlier) to develop a 

realistic assessment of the type of aquatic community 

the lake can ultimately support. The OLP 

should evaluate available sources of information 

in assessing the aquatic life endpoints that may be 

achieved through implementation of the TMDL 

and other efforts, and consider the level of management 

intervention that would be necessary or 

desirable to achieve that endpoint. 

Action Strategy 3. Identify and implement 

habitat improvements necessary to improve 

the existing coolwater fishery in the lake, 

and ultimately maintain year-round 

habitat necessary to sustain a consumptive 

warmwater and coolwater fishery in 


Development of a fisheries management plan or 

strategy for Onondaga Lake by NYSDEC is one 

of the means by which this action item may be 

achieved. Such a plan or strategy, if developed, 

would identify habitat characteristics necessary to 

promote a healthy aquatic community. The plan 

would include focus on three species, Northern 

pike, walleye, and lake sturgeon, for which reproducing 

populations are desired and considered 

attainable. 

Habitat and water quality improvements are not 

expected to produce major changes to the overall 

type of fish community supported by the lake. It 

is anticipated that the lake will continue to contain 

large proportions of sunfish, largemouth bass, 

and smallmouth bass (OCDWEP 2003), although 

pollution-sensitive species may recolonize the 

lake. Alewives and gizzard shad are also expected 

to remain dominant in terms of both total numbers 

and biomass within the lake’s open water areas. 

Aquatic habitat improvements may enhance reproduction 

and survival of resident fishes, increasing 

population sizes. While efforts will be made to 

encourage use of the lake and tributaries by native 

species, it is recognized that some species historically 

present in Onondaga Lake (e.g. American 

eel) have declined as a result of regional factors 

and may not return to the lake until these factors 

have been addressed. Habitat improvements 

benefitting these species will allow for success in 

Onondaga Lake should they recover at the regional 

scale. 

Unanticipated changes at broader scales, such as 

the introduction and spread of exotic species and 

diseases, can have major impacts on the Onondaga 

Lake ecosystem. Attempts to exert control over 

these biological factors are beyond the scope of 

OLP activities. 


1. Identify and implement habitat enhancements to 

benefit Northern pike. 

A lack of spawning and rearing habitat currently 

limits the use of Onondaga Lake by Northern 

pike. NYSDEC is considering spawning habitat 

enhancement options associated with littoral vegetation, 

which may be coordinated with Honeywell 

International’s remediation efforts described in the 

habitat restoration plan (Action Strategy 1). 

2. Construct rearing habitat for walleye. 

Non-native alewife predation on walleye fry currently 

limits the walleye population in Onondaga 

Lake. NYSDEC is examining the feasibility of 

constructing a walleye rearing pond near the lake. 

Fry would be reared to fingerling size and then 

released into the lake or one of its tributaries. 

Page 66 


Action Strategy 4. Continue to implement a 

biological monitoring program to document 

trends and identify sources of ecosystemwide 

problems within the Onondaga Lake 

watershed. 


1. Continue current biological monitoring 

program to fulfill ACJ requirements, and tailor 

long-term biological monitoring program to meet 

ecological data needs. 

Figure 3-12. A walleye collected from Onondaga 

Lake as part of the Onondaga County fish monitoring 

program. (Source: OCDWEP) 

3. Complete necessary steps to establish 

Onondaga Lake as a priority habitat for lake 

sturgeon. 

Presently, NYSDEC believes that both Ninemile 

and Onondaga Creeks are large enough to provide 

spawning and juvenile rearing habitat for lake 

sturgeon. Once a statewide lake sturgeon hatchery 

program is reinstated, the objective is to have 

Onondaga Lake listed as a priority water body 

for the establishment of a lake sturgeon population. 

The chemical and physical conditions of 

Onondaga Lake’s epilimnion appear sufficient to 

support lake sturgeon throughout the year. Furthermore, 

research at Oneida Lake indicates that 

sub-adult and adult sturgeon extensively utilize 

zebra mussels, which are presently abundant in 

Onondaga Lake, as a primary food source. A 

sustainable coolwater fishery requires a healthy 

macrophyte community, suitable reproductive 

habitats and substrate, and an adequate forage 

base. Successful habitat restoration by Honeywell 

International, in coordination with NYSDEC 

and other regulatory agencies, is critical for fish 

survival, growth, and reproduction (see Action 

Strategy 1). 

Onondaga County continues to implement an 

annual biological monitoring program. The 

Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) evaluates 

aquatic communities through an extensive series of 

sampling and studies. This program will continue 

at its current scope as long as the ACJ remains 

in effect, with protocol flexibility as information 

needs change. The biological component of the 

AMP (including the annual fisheries program 

and zebra mussel monitoring program) costs 

approximately $105,000 to $110,000, with an 

estimated additional $40,000 every five years for 

monitoring of macroinvertebrate populations in the 

lake. These figures are based on estimates from the 

most recent program information available. Cost 

varies significantly from year to year depending 

on the need to repair or replace various support 

equipment, sampling gear, and computer software 

and hardware. Costs for macrophyte surveys are 

discussed separately with Action Strategy 5 below. 

The OLP may also develop a long-term biological 

monitoring program if necessary after the time 

period mandated by the ACJ. 

Action Strategy 5. Document effects of 

restoration/remediation actions on desirable 

macrophytes and pursue additional 

enhancement actions as necessary. 

Certain rooted and floating macrophytes are desirable 

to support a variety of fish and invertebrate 

habitat functions. Macrophytes provide spawning 

and nursery habitat for several desirable fishes; 

however, excessive plant density reduces habitat 

quality for fish and invertebrates (OCDWEP 


2003). The ACJ sets 40 to 60 percent macrophyte 

cover within the littoral zone as the most favorable 

level, since this is the degree of cover considered 

optimal for reproduction of largemouth bass, a 

desirable warmwater fish. 

Conversely, some macroalgae and aquatic 

nuisance species degrade aquatic habitat. One goal 

of the ACJ is to limit occurrence and impacts of 

filamentous algae. Undesirable algae control is 

being addressed through improvements to Metro, 

CSO abatement, and non-point source pollution 

control. Management for native macrophytes 

will be attempted only to the extent that they can 

be separated from non-native species. Because 

a mixture of different species is typical, the 

combined community must be assessed. 


1. Continue annual assessments of macrophyte 

cover in order to direct efforts toward maintaining 

optimum levels. 

Annual comparisons of macrophyte cover, 

through aerial photography and/or ground-level 

observation, are needed to assess the degree of 

macrophyte cover throughout the lake. These 

studies are presently completed by Onondaga 

County as part of its Ambient Monitoring Program 

to assist in identifying parts of the lake that contain 

too much vegetative cover, as well as areas where 

cover consists primarily of non-native invasive 

species. Approximate cost of the annual flight 

survey is $22,000. The County also undertakes a 

more detailed macrophyte survey every five years 

that involves the sampling of submerged vegetation 

in the littoral (near-shore) zone; this study 

should also be continued to fully characterize 

the composition of the macrophyte community. 

The cost of this survey is about $32,000 every 

five years. Estimates for both macrophyte survey 

programs are based on the most recent program 

information available, and may vary depending 

on the need to repair or replace various support 

equipment, sampling gear, and computer software 

and hardware. 

Areas where macrophyte growth is limited due to 

lack of suitable substrate are being evaluated in 

association with Honeywell’s restoration activities, 

which will address these substrate limitations. 

Action Strategy 6. Implement speciesspecific 

fish monitoring programs for 

the outlet and tributaries of the lake as 

necessary to obtain needed information 

about fish movement and reproductive 

patterns. 


1. Evaluate the need for programs to monitor 

fish populations in the outlet and tributaries of 

Onondaga Lake as part of Fisheries Management 

planning efforts. 

The OLP has identified the potential need for a 

program to monitor fish populations in the outlet 

and tributaries of Onondaga Lake. Such a program 

would initially focus on spawning and rearing in 

Onondaga Creek, Ninemile Creek, and Onondaga 

Lake Outlet. If developed, the program would be 

targeted toward monitoring seasonal migration 

patterns of species of interest to determine where 

breeding and/or spawning are occurring. The completion 

of a Fisheries Management Plan or similar 

document must occur before a monitoring program 

for the outlet and tributaries is initiated, since the 

Plan would specify what species and areas are 

targeted, and provide the context for evaluation of 

improvement efforts. 

Action Strategy 7. Continue to evaluate fish 

consumption advisories, with the ultimate 

goal of removal of consumption advisories 

by the New York State Department of 

Page 68 


Health (NYSDOH). 


1. Reassess fish contaminant levels and advisories 

following completion of industrial pollution 

cleanup efforts. 

In order for the NYSDOH species-specific 

fish advisories for Onondaga Lake to be lifted, 

NYSDOH would have to make such a determination, 

based on: 

•• an evaluation of fish contamination data indicating 

that fish contaminant levels are sufficiently low to 

justify advisory removal; and 

•• other factors (see section below on NYSDOH 

Criteria for Setting Fish Consumption Advisories). 

As discussed in Section 2.6, NYSDOH has in 

effect extensive specific advisories on eating sport 

fish from Onondaga Lake (see section below, 

“NYSDOH Criteria for Setting Fish Consumption 

Advisories” for important factors for fish advisory 

determination.) To remove these specific advisories, 

data would have to show significant declines 

in concentrations of mercury in all fish species 

and sizes in Onondaga Lake, as well as declines 

in PCBs and dioxin in some species of Onondaga 

Lake fish. After remediation is completed, extensive 

monitoring of contaminant levels and their 

accumulation in fish will be necessary before any 

consideration of relaxing or lifting the advisories. 

Even if the specific advisories are removed, the 

statewide general advisory to eat no more than 

one meal per week of all fish presumably will 

still apply (as it does for all New York State fresh 

waters). NYSDOH issues this advice because: 

•• Some chemicals are commonly found in New York 

State fish (e.g. mercury and PCBs), 

•• 

•• 

Fish from all waters have not been tested, and 

Fish may contain unidentified contaminants. 

NYSDOH Criteria for Setting Fish Consumption 

Advisories 

NYSDOH uses considerable Judgment and weighs many 

factors when setting fish advisories. The balance between 

the benefits and risks of eating fish with mercury and 

other fish contaminants may be different for at risk populations 

(women of childbearing age, infants and young 

children) versus the general population. NYSDOH takes 

these differences into account during the fish advisory 

setting process. The following are some important 

features of the NYSDOH advisories and advisory-setting 

process: 

1. NYSDOH issues a general advisory to eat no more 

than one meal per week of fish from all New York State 

fresh waters because some chemicals are commonly 

found in New York State fish (e.g., mercury and PCBs), 

fish from all waters have not been tested, and fish may 

contain unidentified contaminants. 

2. NYSDOH recommends that infants, children under 

the age of 15 and women of childbearing age EAT NO 

fish at all from waters with specific advisories (including 

Onondaga Lake). 

3. When reviewing fish contaminant data to determine 

fish advisories for a specific water body or region, 

NYSDOH considers the following: 

•• Fish contaminant levels, including fish sampling 

characteristics (e.g., number and type of samples, species, 

age, length, percent lipid, sample location, etc.) and 

patterns of contamination; 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

Health risks; 

Populations at greater potential risk; 

The FDA marketplace standard; 

Health benefits; and 

Risk communication issues. 

(Information provided by NYSDOH) 

Action Strategy 8. Restore and maintain 

wetlands hydrologic connection and habitat 

module project completed in 2000-2001. 

The habitat module project (Figure 3-13) was 

completed in 2001 with oversight by the Onondaga 

County Department of Environmental Health. 

The project included construction of a jetty-like 

structure near the northwest shoreline of the lake, 

intended to enhance littoral zone habitat in the 

area to promote use by waterfowl, wading birds, 


aptors and mammals (Onondaga Environmental 

Institute 2008). One of the purposes of the jetty 

was to deflect wave action, improving conditions 

for establishment of aquatic macrophytes 

by reducing the shifting and re-suspension of 

bottom sediments in the shallow water. Improved 

conditions for aquatic plant growth will increase 

the attractiveness of the habitat for fish spawning. 

The OLP also funded construction of two culverts 

under the lake’s west shore trail to provide a direct 

hydrologic connection between the lake and previously 

isolated wetlands (OLP 2003). The improved 

connectedness has the potential to enhance the 

usefulness of the wetlands for reproduction by 

various species of wildlife. 

A long-term maintenance program may be necessary 

to restore the hydrologic connection and 

habitat module project constructed along the 

western shore of Onondaga Lake. Although the 

structures remain sound, they require maintenance 

to provide maximum benefit. A long-term mechanism 

for funding may be needed to fully develop 

and implement the required maintenance program, 

with the intent of restoring naturally sustained 

habitat. The cost of such a program, including 

removal of sediment and skimming of algae, 

would likely be modest ($4,000 per year). Funding 

is also needed to complete sediment sampling to 

monitor post-construction mercury levels. 


1. Complete immediate maintenance requirements 

as necessary to restore project function. 

Figure 3-13. Aerial photograph showing the location of the permanent habitat module (jetty-like structure) and wetland 

connection projects near the northwest end of Onondaga Lake. Two culverts link the wetlands connection area with the lake. 

(Source: USACE). 

Page 70 


To allow water movement, sediment removal 

is necessary at openings on both sides of the 

culvert connecting the wetland with the lake. It is 

estimated that the initial work to accomplish this 

would cost $3,000. Also, mats of floating algae 

regularly become trapped behind the jetty. The 

problem could be addressed by skimming, which 

if feasible, would be least expensive (about $2,000 

per year). The re-establishment of appropriate 

native wetland and shoreline vegetation also is 

needed in parts of the project area to enhance its 

ecological function ($6,000 as a one-time cost 

expenditure). 

2. Review the project proposal and design for 

expectations regarding the need and responsibility 

for long-term maintenance, and redesign and 

reconstruct the project to reduce maintenance 

needs. 

Culvert and jetty maintenance and/or modification 

is needed to maintain water flow and discourage 

growth of undesirable algae while promoting 

development of desirable vegetation. Operational 

modifications might also include the active use of 

stoplogs to more closely control water levels. As 

an alternative to periodic skimming for removal 

of algal mats, parts of the existing jetty could be 

removed to create openings, enhancing water flow 

through the system to prevent the stagnation that 

leads to algal growth. 

As part of the original project, substrate improvement 

was attempted in areas where oncolites 

deterred the establishment of desirable vegetation. 

Geotextile pads covered with rock substrate 

were installed, but have not functioned as well 

as intended due to the size and distribution of 

substrate. Modifications to the restoration effort, 

expected to result in significant improvements to 

the quality of vegetation, would require approximately 

$20,000. 

In order to progress with any changes or additional 

work on the project, the OLP would need to review 

the project and determine the entity or entities best 

equipped to undertake these activities. 

Action Strategy 9. Support implementation 

of elements of the Onondaga Creek 

Conceptual Revitalization Plan (OCCRP) as 

desired and appropriate. 


1. Provide support and/or assistance with implementation 

of appropriate and feasible OCCRP 

recommendations as pilot projects. 

The OCCRP was developed through a visioning 

process enlisting participation of residents of the 

Onondaga Creek watershed. One of the purposes 

of the OCCRP is to present the public’s vision of a 

cleaner, more natural Onondaga Creek. The draft 

OCCRP (Onondaga Environmental Institute 2009), 

identifies a number of possible habitat restoration 

projects to help achieve this vision. The OLP will 

evaluate options presented by the OCCRP, and 

may support implementation of project concepts 

that are determined to be desirable, technically 

feasible, and affordable, pending regulatory and 

community acceptance. Adopted OCCRP concepts 

would initially be implemented as pilot or demonstration 

projects if they meet these criteria. 

Action Strategy 10. Implement a natural 

history information and education program 

to educate and inform the public on fish and 

wildlife species in and around the lake. 


1. Utilize a combination of existing and new 

outreach resources to educate the public about the 

natural history of Onondaga Lake. 

The OLP Outreach Committee will determine the 

method by which public education concerning the 

Lake’s natural history is accomplished. Various 

media options have been proposed, such as 

document CDs, information kiosks, videos, printed 

materials, and a website. Existing materials, such 


as a video produced by the OLP Fisheries Working 

Group, may also be appropriate. Previous efforts, 

including printed media such as an insert in the 

local newspaper and publication of a newsletter, 

have discussed natural history and aquatic 

habitat. These efforts, combined with additional 

distribution of the existing video, would likely 

cost about $10,000 for each year in which they are 

implemented. 

Action Strategy 11. Encourage 

communication and coordination between 

agencies, facility operators, and user groups 

within the Oswego River Basin to improve 

and facilitate management of Onondaga 

Lake in a manner protective of the lake’s 

ecology. 

Onondaga Lake discharges north to the Seneca 

River, which joins the Oneida River to form the 

Oswego River near Phoenix, New York. Communication 

amongst local and regional government 

entities and private industries in the Oswego River 

basin must be improved to ensure the long-term 

ecological integrity of Onondaga Lake. Issues 

such as water level management and detrimental 

effects of invasive species originate in the Erie 

Canal/Seneca/Oswego River system, and impact 

Onondaga Lake management. The OLP will 

encourage cooperation and information sharing 

amongst the relevant parties. Through education 

and outreach, the OLP will work to facilitate 

effective information exchange and agency 

coordination. 

New York State Canal Corporation and multiple 

hydropower facility operators within the Oswego 

River system control water levels and affect 

Onondaga Lake. The Canal Corporation regulates 

Erie Canal water levels during the navigation 

season for commercial and recreational boat 

traffic. Habitat management, power generation, 

and navigation often require different water level 

regimes. Discussion among water users should 

inform and facilitate water level management 

decisions and are necessary to reconcile conflicts 

between uses. 


1. Work with government and local agencies to 

educate the public about removal of non-native 

invasive species from watercraft to prevent their 

proliferation and range expansion. 

Non-native invasive species reach Onondaga Lake 

from the Seneca River (Erie Canal) through the 

lake outlet, or attached to boat hulls. Education 

of boat operators on the importance of invasive 

species removal from their craft (e.g. by proper 

cleaning of watercraft prior to transport) is 

critical to limiting the spread of exotics. This can 

be accomplished by providing information or 

signage at marinas and points of lake access, or via 

OLP Outreach Committee efforts and programs. 

Another means for invasive species to enter nonnative 

waters is via fishing equipment including 

waders. Anglers should be provided education 

materials and encouraged to properly clean equipment 

when going from one waterway to another. 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and 

Shoreline 

The OLP developed the following goals relative to 

utilization of the Onondaga Lake Inner Harbor and 

Shoreline areas: 

Goal 1. Promote use of the Inner Harbor 

and its waterfront areas for tourism, recreation, 

and economic benefit, in order to 

optimize public appreciation and enjoyment 

of the natural features of the lake and its 

environs. 

Goal 2. Promote the use of the lake’s shoreline 

areas for public access and recreation. 

To assist in attaining the above goals, the following 

action strategies and recommendations have 

been developed. 

Page 72 


Action Strategy 1. Complete trail 

construction to establish and/or maintain 

community connectivity with Onondaga 

Lake and its tributaries. 

Key projects identified to enhance connectedness 

of the lake with its surrounding communities 

include the Loop-the-Lake Trail and the Onondaga 

Creekwalk. 


1. Complete a new section of trail that will 

continue across Ninemile Creek to provide access 

from Lakeland and Geddes. 

The Onondaga County Department of Parks and 

Recreation, in cooperation with the Onondaga 

County Department of Transportation (OCDOT), 

is undertaking the completion of a new section 

of the Loop-the-Lake trail, which ultimately is 

planned to entirely encircle Onondaga Lake. The 

trail will be extended by approximately two miles 

to continue across Ninemile Creek via a steel 

bridge to the top of the hill known as the “Upper 

Bluff” overlooking Onondaga Lake from the west 

(see Appendix A for a map of the area). The trail 

will be located at the top edge of the ridge, as 

close as possible to the lake. New access will be 

provided from Lakeland and Geddes (immediately 

west of Onondaga Lake) via Exit 7 from Route 

690. Access to the State Fairgrounds upper parking 

lots will be possible. At the entrance to the State 

Fairgrounds atop the hill, a cordoned parking lot 

will be created for users accessing the trail from 

this area. The proposed pathway will be 10 feet 

wide and hard surfaced to allow a variety of uses. 

All necessary engineering and design work 

pertaining to the construction of this phase of the 

trail has been completed, and funding is in place 

for its construction. The total cost of the project is 

approximately $3.5 million. Funds are provided 

through OCDOT sources and environmental fine 

money dedicated to completion of an Environmental 

Benefit Project as a condition of consent 

order between NYSDEC and parties responsible 

for pollution of the lake. Presently, construction is 

planned to commence in 2010, with an 18-month 

construction period. OCDOT is the lead agency 

in the construction and funding aspects of this 

project. 

2. Design and complete remaining sections of the 

Loop-the-Lake Trail. 

Two unfinished portions of the Loop-the-Lake 

trail will remain following the completion of 

the section described above; these parallel the 

southwest and southeast shores of the lake. The 

ultimate objective is to link the section on the east 

side, which presently ends in Onondaga Lake Park 

in Liverpool, with the portion on the west side 

outlined in Recommendation 1. The intent is to 

link these sections of trail to the Creekwalk near 

the mouth of Onondaga Creek at the Inner Harbor. 

Several logistical challenges are associated with 

both of these remaining sections. The southwest 

section from the top of the bluffs to Onondaga 

Creek will need to cross lands owned by Honeywell 

International, where remediation activities are 

planned. Coordination with Honeywell’s activities 

must occur, and the ultimate suitability of the 

land for a trail following remediation must be 

ascertained. A set of active railroad tracks also hug 

the shoreline closely at the southwest corner of the 

lake, presenting another access challenge. 

The southeast section connecting Onondaga Lake 

Park in Liverpool to Onondaga Creek is equally 

challenging. Currently, active railroad tracks and 

Onondaga Lake Parkway (located along the east 

side of the lake) both exist close to the lake shoreline 

in this area. Construction of a trail even closer 

to the shore would be difficult to accomplish. A 

previous conceptual design involved construction 

of a causeway built out slightly into the southeast 

corner of the lake, creating a backwater area that 

could contain valuable habitat. The objective was 

to carry the trail around the congested area via 

the causeway, linking to the shore near Carousel 


Center Mall. An alternative option, considered 

more recently, is to coordinate development of the 

trail with the reconstruction of Onondaga Lake 

Parkway, with which it may share the right-of-way. 

A dedicated source of funding has not yet been 

identified for either of these sections of trail. A 

general estimate is that the total cost for design 

and construction of both sections would exceed 

$50 million. 

3. Complete the Onondaga Creekwalk and establish 

connections to the Loop-the-Lake Trail and 

Erie Canalway Trail. 

The city of Syracuse is undertaking the 

completion of the Onondaga Creekwalk (Figure 

3-14). Construction on Phase I of the Onondaga 

Creekwalk began in November 2009. Phase 

I will connect Armory Square to the Inner 

Harbor, paralleling Onondaga Creek for most 

of the distance and incorporating sections of the 

existing Creekwalk through the Franklin Square 

neighborhood and the Inner Harbor. Total costs for 

Phase I of the Creekwalk are estimated to be in the 

range of $8 to $10 million. Two additional phases 

of the Onondaga Creekwalk are planned. Phase II 

involves the connection of Armory Square to Kirk 

Park; a feasibility study has been completed for 

this portion. Phase III, which connects Kirk Park 

to Dorwin Avenue at the south end of the city, has 

yet to enter into a feasibility study. (See Appendix 

A for a map of the area.) 

This work will be complemented by planning 

efforts led by the city of Syracuse for enhancements 

to the Inner Harbor and creek shoreline 

areas. A Master Plan to connect communities 

along Onondaga Creek to the Inner Harbor via the 

Creekwalk is being funded by a $500,000 Local 

Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from the 

New York State Department of State. 

Action Strategy 2. Expand and improve 

access to the lake for fishing and boating 

as the fishery and public demand warrant. 

Facilities should provide access for boating 

and shoreline anglers, and could potentially 

include boat access sites and public fishing 

piers. All facilities should be accessible 

to people with disabilities and located in 

consideration of all residents. 

Boat launching and fishing access facilities are 

desired at multiple locations around the lake, 

including the east and west shores as well as the 

Inner Harbor. Currently the Lakefront Development 

Corporation (LDC) oversees activities in 

the Inner Harbor area through a lease and canal 

permits. The OLP supports the development and 

improvement of such access opportunities at 

suitable locations. 

Figure 3-14. 

Onondaga Creekwalk at Franklin Square 

(Source: City of Syracuse) 


1. Complete investigatory work for the development 

of a boat launch and fishing access site on 

the west shore of the lake, and implement plans if 

feasible, pending completion of industrial remediation 

work. 

One possible proposed location on the west shore 

for a boat launch and fishing access site is at the 

end of Exit 7 from Interstate 690 on property used 

formerly by Crucible Steel for disposal of waste 

slag. The property is now part of the New York 

Page 74 


State Department of Transportation right-of-way 

for Route 690. NYSDEC and EPA are planning 

environmental investigatory work to determine 

what cleanup activities may be required at the site. 

Installation of a boat launch and fishing access 

at this location would fulfill the OLP’s objective 

to provide such access on the lake’s west shore. 

Other sites are also being evaluated for a possible 

west shore boat launch and fishing access. 

2. Upgrade the existing marina at Onondaga Lake 

Park. 

The existing marina at Onondaga Lake Park is in 

the process of being upgraded by the Onondaga 

County Department of Parks and Recreation. Grant 

money was secured through the Environmental 

Protection Fund and Canal Greenways. Construction, 

which began in 2009, is near completion as 

of this writing. Primary upgrades include removal 

of permanent docks and replacement with floating 

docks, and installation of utility improvements 

including additional water and electric service. 

Floating docks will also replace some of the 

permanent pile-and-gangway structures. The 

upgraded marina will accommodate 96 vessels 

instead of the current 87. The approximate cost of 

the marina improvements is $450,000. 

Additionally, the waters of the marina have tended 

Figure 3-15. Existing docking facilities at the Onondaga 

Lake Park Marina. (Source: Onondaga County) 

to fill in with accumulated sediment from nonpoint 

sources. It is hoped that non-point source 

pollution control efforts by the OLP to reduce 

sediment loading to the lake will slow the rate 

of future sedimentation. In the interim, minor 

dredging and sediment removal are necessary in 

this area to restore the marina to its full usefulness. 

For dredging to take place in this area, additional 

funding would be necessary. 

Action Strategy 3. Support implementation 

of the city of Syracuse Lakefront Area 2002 

Master Plan (city’s Lakefront Development 

Corporation Zoning Regulations for the 

Inner Harbor), which allows continued 

public access to the Inner Harbor and 

critical shoreline areas, and promotes 

compatibility of lakefront area development 

proposals with lake management objectives. 

The city of Syracuse’s plans for the Inner Harbor 

and Lakefront areas make the lake and its harbor 

a key focal point of activity, and encourage public 

access and enjoyment of these resources. 


1. Ensure that the proposal selected in response 

to the 2009 Request for Proposals for the Inner 

Harbor is consistent with approved Lakefront Area 

zoning regulations as well as public access and 

lake management objectives. 

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development 

of the Inner Harbor was prepared by the 

New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) 

and released in December 2009. The RFP breaks 

the Inner Harbor area into three sections, with 

proposed recreation, commercial and residential 

uses. Proposals are due in March 2010, and project 

selection will follow. LDC, the city of Syracuse 

and NYSCC will be the parties involved in 

ensuring that the selected proposal is consistent 


with established objectives for redevelopment of 

the Inner Harbor. 

Any new development would be required to be in 

accordance with the Lakefront Area Zoning Regulations 

(city of Syracuse Zoning Code, Parts B-IX 

and C-IX). The Syracuse Lakefront Area Master 

Plan was released as a very basic conceptual 

document in 2001. In 2004, the city of Syracuse 

issued a set of zoning regulations for the lakefront 

area surrounding the Inner Harbor. The regulations 

were developed based on the Master Plan, 

codifying it to reflect the desired land uses. Parts 

of the area were classified as Urban Center, with 

the remainder characterized as General Urban. The 

Urban Center District is intended to be a “dense, 

fully mixed use neighborhood with a vibrant street 

life and a public realm with many design amenities.” 

In contrast, the General Urban District is 

described as “A primarily residential mixed use 

neighborhood in which non-residential uses are 

present, but small in scale and impact. 6 ” 

The zoning code also creates a “Tourism Overlay 

District” that allows the underlying zoning to be 

superseded when a project proposal is submitted as 

a Comprehensive Development Plan that furthers 

the use of the Inner Harbor as a tourism or resort 

destination. In all areas within the overlay district, 

public access to Onondaga Creek and the harbor 

must be maintained. 

Action Strategy 4. Determine the feasibility 

and appropriateness of establishing a “No 

Discharge Zone” in Onondaga Lake and 

in immediately connected waters, and 

coordinate with NYSDEC to implement the 

selected course of action. 

A “No Discharge Zone” (NDZ) is a designated 

area of navigable waters in which the discharge 

of sanitary sewage from all vessels is prohibited. 

Securing an NDZ for Onondaga Lake would 

6. City of Syracuse Zoning Code, Part B, Section IX, 

Article 2, 2004 

ensure that recreational use of the waters continues 

in a manner consistent with lake rehabilitation 

efforts. 


1. Complete the required process for NDZ review 

and designation. 

The OLP supports the establishment of an NDZ 

for Onondaga Lake. The NYSCC has proposed 

that all canal waters, including Onondaga Lake, 

receive this designation. In order for a body of 

water to receive designation as an NDZ, sufficient 

pump-out stations for onboard sewage must be 

present at marina and docking facilities. It has yet 

to be determined if the single pump-out station 

presently provided at the Onondaga Lake marina is 

adequate. A program of regular maintenance will 

be required for all pump-out stations, regardless 

of number. Additional pump-out stations would 

improve capacity and further support the designation 

of an NDZ. NYSDEC is pursuing the NDZ 

designation. 

Action Strategy 5. Evaluate the success of 

stewardship and management of the Tully 

Valley Mudboils, as well as non-point source 

control efforts, in controlling sediment 

in the Onondaga Creek watershed, and 

remain cognizant of the potential periodic 

need for additional dredging of the harbor 

depending on the effectiveness of these 

efforts. 


1. Evaluate the success of non-point source 

sediment control and mudboil management efforts 

as part of the basis for decisions concerning the 

frequency of dredging. 

Management decisions concerning the Tully Valley 

Mudboils (described in Strategic Area 5) and nonpoint 

source pollution control efforts (Strategic 

Area 8) will influence how frequently the Inner 

Page 76 


Harbor must be dredged. Without mitigation of 

the mudboils, accumulation of sediment in the 

harbor via flow from Onondaga Creek will take 

place more rapidly; historically the harbor required 

dredging about once every six years. The harbor 

was last dredged ten years ago, having experienced 

a lesser rate of sedimentation since that time. 

Dredging results in odor and aesthetic concerns, 

as well as restrictions to uses such as boating. 

Active control of the mudboils and non-point 

source pollution would lessen the need to dredge 

the harbor, thereby reducing these impacts. Presently, 

the ability to store dredge spoils is a limiting 

factor on the quantity of material that could be 

removed; only one upland disposal area remains 

for sediment spoils removed from the harbor. The 

frequency at which dredging is necessary will 

depend on the availability of adequate funding 

to keep inputs from the mudboils and non-point 

source pollution at their present level. 

Action Strategy 6. Promote the use of the 

Inner Harbor and Onondaga Lake shoreline 

for recreation and tourism through 

publications or other media as appropriate. 

The OLP will continue to coordinate with member 

agencies, including the city of Syracuse, Onondaga 

County, and the NYSCC, to promote the use of 

the Inner Harbor and Onondaga Lake shoreline for 

recreation and tourism. 


1. Provide information for inclusion in design of 

tourism-focused promotional publications on the 

Lake and Inner Harbor, and encourage the continued 

circulation of these publications. 

The LDC and members of the OLP have periodically 

circulated brochures and articles concerning 

progress on the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor, 

and the construction of the Onondaga Creekwalk. 

The OLP will provide necessary information to 

ensure that these publications capitalize on the 

improving conditions within Onondaga Lake 

watershed and highlight new shoreline access and 

recreation opportunities. 

Strategic Area 8: Non-Point Source 

Pollution 

The OLP established the following goal relative 

to control of non-point source pollution of surface 

waters: 

Goal 1. To achieve the designated best 

uses established by the water quality 

classification for Onondaga Lake, develop 

and implement a Non-Point Source 

(NPS) Management Strategy (consistent 

with the NYSDEC Onondaga Lake 

TMDL) incorporating appropriate Best 

Management Practices that address the 

impacts of NPS pollution and reduce 

pollutant inputs from rural and urban nonpoint 

sources throughout the watershed of 

the lake. 

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of NPS 

pollution, the OLP considers the following to be 

important components of the developing NPS 

Management Strategy: 

•• Reduction of agricultural NPS inputs through education 

and technical assistance to farmers within the 

watershed and implementation of best management 

practices (BMPs) 

•• Reduction of urban NPS inputs through outreach 

to the general public and businesses 

•• Monitoring of conditions in tributaries to Onondaga 

Lake to locate and eliminate sources of sediment, 

bacteria, and other pollutants that can be pinpointed 

within the tributaries 

•• Identification and stabilization of sediment 

sources throughout the watershed, including erosion 

of stream banks and channels, roadside ditches, and 

roadway embankments 


The NPS Management Strategy also includes 

consideration of the use of natural features and 

vegetated areas to promote infiltration of runoff 

near its source and removal of pollutants through 

biological processes. The use of these practices, 

sometimes referred to as green infrastructure, is 

being implemented by the County as a means to 

partially replace Regional Treatment Facilities 

and other traditional engineered practices in CSO 

abatement. See Strategic Area 2 for more detail. 

Several of Onondaga Lake’s tributaries are on 

NYSDEC’s 2008 list of impaired waters requiring 

a TMDL or other strategy. Table 3-2 summarizes 

existing impairments to tributaries of Onondaga 

Lake. The table includes only sources and types 

of impairment that have been documented through 

monitoring programs recognized by NYSDEC. 

Other sources, including runoff from agricultural 

operations, rural roadways, and hydrogeologic 

phenomena (see Strategic Area 5), are believed 

to be significant sources of NPS pollution. The 

OLP supports efforts to remedy the tributary 

impairments. 

Action Strategy 1. Continue implementation 

of the Agricultural Environmental 

Management (AEM) program consistent 

with the Rural NPS Management Plan as 

funding allows. 

The Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation 

District (OCSWCD) is the primary agency 

responsible for implementing the AEM program 

in Onondaga County. The program is discussed 

in more detail in Chapter 2. Funding for the AEM 

program in the Onondaga Lake watershed is 

provided by EPA through the OLP, and by New 

York State through the Environmental Protection 

Fund. 

The Rural NPS Management Plan (OCSWCD 

1993) made six recommendations to address agricultural 

concerns on farms in the Onondaga Lake 

watershed. These recommendations, listed below, 

will maintain the focus of the AEM program 

toward projects that accomplish these objectives. 

•• 

Source reduction through information and 

Water body Pollutants of concern Sources of pollutants 

Ninemile Creek Phosphorus, pathogens Municipal, urban runoff 

Geddes Brook Ammonia Municipal, urban runoff 

Bloody Brook Pathogens Municipal, urban runoff 

Onondaga Creek 

Harbor Brook 

Ley Creek 

Minor tributaries to 

Onondaga Lake 

Phosphorus, pathogens, sediment, ammonia, 

turbidity, habitat impairment, unknown toxicity 

Phosphorus, pathogens, ammonia, habitat 

impairment 

Phosphorus, pathogens, ammonia, cyanide, 

unknown toxicity 

Pathogens, phosphorus, ammonia, cyanide 

Stream bank erosion, 

CSOs 

Municipal, urban runoff, 

CSOs 


CSOs 


CSOs 

Table 3-2. Pollutants of concern and their sources in tributaries of Onondaga Lake watershed, according 

to the NYSDEC 303(d) list of impaired waters (NYSDEC 2008b). See Figure 2-6 for locations of water 

bodies. 

Page 78 


education: Continuously encourage landowners to 

voluntarily install needed management practices to 

reduce NPS pollution 

•• Nutrient management to reduce surplus phosphorus: 

Manage the rate of phosphorus application 

according to plant needs, so that excess phosphorus is 

not released and ultimately carried to Onondaga Lake 

•• Manure management: Implement manure 

management practices to reduce runoff of nutrients, 

organic material, bacteria and pathogens from barnyards 

and agricultural fields 

•• Pesticide management: Provide education and 

technical assistance on pesticide application and management 

techniques that minimize pollution of surface 

waters 

•• Livestock exclusion: Restrict access to streams by 

cattle so that nutrients, pathogens and organic matter 

from manure are not introduced into Onondaga Lake 

through direct input to its tributaries 

Figure 3-16. Pre-BMP barnyard at a farm in Onondaga 

County. Soil erosion and surface runoff of nutrients from 

barnyard can pollute streams. (Source: OCSWCD) 

•• Watershed-wide NPS pollution control strategy: 

Merge urban, suburban and rural programs into one 

comprehensive program so cumulative problems can 

be properly evaluated 

Consistent with planning efforts such as the Rural 

NPS Management Plan, the AEM program focuses 

on providing assistance to farms where manure 

runoff is a major issue and contributor of organic 

matter, pathogens, and nutrients. Reduction of 

phosphorus is of particular concern, as it remains 

a necessary part of meeting future Onondaga Lake 

TMDL requirements. Currently the OCSWCD is 

working with over 50 interested farms to plan and 

implement agricultural BMPs. The AEM program 

has been successful in addressing manure runoff 

to reduce nutrient and pathogen loading through 

installation of BMPs throughout the Onondaga 

Lake drainage basin, including the Otisco Lake/ 

Ninemile Creek arm of the watershed. 

Because AEM is a voluntary program, success 

depends on the long-term willingness and commitment 

of farmers to remain in the program 

until their particular management plan is fully 

Figure 3-17. Post-BMP barnyard with concrete pad to 

reduce erosion and enhance animal waste management. 

(Source: OCSWCD) 

implemented. Among projects expected to produce 

significant water quality improvement, higher 

priority is assigned to those in which participants 

are willing to implement and maintain the recommended 

BMPs. 


1. Implement BMPs on farms that have completed 

the planning process, and evaluate BMP 


effectiveness. Continue to progress with AEM on 

as many farms as possible that have entered the 

initial resource inventory and planning phases of 

the program. 

AEM involves a series of five steps, known as 

Tiers, (see page 40), that guide the process from 

initial identification of natural resource concerns 

to selection, design, construction, and maintenance 

of BMPs. The OLP’s objective is to install BMPs 

and evaluate their effectiveness (Tiers IV and V) 

on farms that have completed the planning phases, 

while moving forward with resource inventory 

under Tiers I, II, and III of AEM on as many farms 

as possible. 

In working with the OLP, OCSWCD uses a 

ranking spreadsheet to track and prioritize farms 

that have entered the AEM program. OCSWCD’s 

approach will be to complete all five tiers on as 

many currently enrolled farms as possible before 

enrolling new ones. 

To date, approximately $3,000,000 has been spent 

on AEM implementation in Onondaga Lake watershed, 

and it is estimated that a similar amount 

would be required in order to finish the program 

on all currently enrolled farms. To continue to 

operate the program at its current level, OCSWCD 

relies upon receipt of funding in the amount of 

approximately $165,000 per year; the amount 

varies depending on the level of farm participation. 

To date, this funding has come from EPA, as 

well as from the Environmental Protection Fund 

as cost-share dollars through the New York State 

Department of Agriculture and Markets and Soil 

and Water Conservation Committee, but the same 

level of funding is not guaranteed for future years. 

OCSWCD continues to identify new participants 

to begin the initial survey process as funding and 

time allow. 

Action Strategy 2. Development of computer 

models should be completed to identify 

areas within the Onondaga Lake watershed 

in which to focus NPS management efforts 

in support of the development of a NPS 

Management Strategy for the watershed. 

The Onondaga Lake Surface Water Watershed 

Model (SWWM) was developed by USGS to 

estimate loading of phosphorus and other nutrients 

(Coon & Reddy 2008). The computer-based model 

breaks the watershed into 107 sub-basins (parts of 

the watershed that drain to a common point, such 

as a junction between two small tributary streams). 

Figure 3-18 shows land use within the sub-basins, 

(delineated by black lines). The model is able to 

identify pollutant sources at the sub-basin level. 

2008 AMP data are presently used as input to the 

model; this input will be supplemented with new 

data from 20 USGS water quality sampling sites 

located throughout the Onondaga Lake watershed. 

The model needs to be periodically updated with 

current land use Geographic Information Systems 

(GIS) data, because land use changes can influence 

actual pollutant loading. 

The Ambient Monitoring Program carried out 

by Onondaga County in conjunction with USGS 

includes the monitoring of several sites within 

tributaries of Onondaga Lake. While not all of 

the parameters monitored as part of the County’s 

program justify intensive modeling efforts, data 

from the program may continue to be entered into 

the model and used as a means of tracking origins 

of NPS pollution and identifying “hot spots”. 


1. Calibrate the existing Onondaga Lake SWWM 

with data from the Surface Water Ambient 

Monitoring Program (SWAMP), and develop and 

implement a series of model scenarios appropriate 

for use in the SWWM to provide a framework for 

interpreting current watershed conditions. 

On behalf of the OLP, USGS is calibrating the 

Onondaga Lake SWWM to ensure the reliability 

of results and to provide a context in which to 

interpret them. The model is run using a computer 

program known as Hydrologic Simulation 

Program Fortran (HSPF). The cost of this phase of 

Page 80 


the program, presently in progress, is $178,000. 

2. Use the calibrated Onondaga Lake SWWM to 

evaluate loading of various water quality parameters 

and identify sites for implementation of Best 

Management Practices. 

Once the calibration and sample scenario work 

required for the model has been completed, 

the OLP will be able to put the model to use to 

identify and address sub-basins containing significant 

sources of NPS pollution. The SWWM will 

highlight the sub-watersheds most likely to yield 

high pollutant loads. Further investigation of these 

sub-watersheds will be pursued on a case-by-case 

basis, including field assessment of possible pollutant 

sources. 

The NPS Management 

Strategy envisioned by the 

OLP is intended to rely only 

partly on the outcome of the 

model. The model is only one 

of the several tools discussed 

in this document that the OLP 

may use for targeting and 

prioritizing BMP implementation 

opportunities. 

Action Strategy 3. 

Continue education 

and outreach programs 

to foster awareness 

and behavior change 

relative to the impact 

of individual actions 

on water quality in 

Onondaga Lake and its 

watershed, and pursue 

funding to undertake 

additional education 

programs. 

Figure 3-18. USGS figure showing land use classifications and sub-basin delineations 

from the Surface Water Watershed Model (HSPF) study, illustrating typical 

inputs to the model. Blue lines represent streams. (Source: USGS) 

NPS pollution originates 

from numerous small-scale 

sources. Watershed residents 

can contribute to either the 

problem or the solution 

through their actions. An 

effective public education 

program is the best means 

of raising awareness of the 

role individual actions play 

in NPS pollution. Education 


efforts that target individuals and commercial 

entities, including the land development and 

earth-moving industries and other operations that 

have the potential to generate NPS pollution, are a 

critical component of these efforts. 

While much progress has been made in informing 

the public about the various pollution problems 

present in Onondaga Lake and its tributaries, the 

OLP recognizes that a constant awareness must 

be maintained in the public consciousness over 

the long-term. The OLP is therefore committed 

to continuing to support education and outreach 

efforts. Many methods and media are available to 

raise awareness of NPS pollution issues. The OLP 

Outreach Committee conducts various public education 

activities, several of which focus on NPS 

pollution, with funding provided through the EPA. 


1. Obtain additional funding for the OLP 

Outreach Committee to continue and expand 

ongoing urban NPS public education efforts in the 

Onondaga Lake watershed through the authorized 

duration of the OLP (currently August 2014). 

In order to continue educating the public about 

the impact of NPS pollution on Onondaga Lake, 

the OLP must secure future funding and develop 

a detailed outreach program with expanded focus 

on NPS pollution control. In the past, the OLP 

has received funding from the EPA to implement 

education and outreach efforts relative to NPS 

pollution control. Although $194,377 is available 

from the EPA through 2012 to maintain public 

education programs, additional funding will be 

necessary to deliver a program focused on NPS 

pollution control. Consequently, the OLP may 

develop a new program proposal focused on urban 

NPS public education efforts in the Onondaga 

Lake watershed. USACE has been identified as a 

potential source of funding. 

Action Strategy 4. Continue roadbank 

stabilization and hydroseeding programs in 

coordination with local, county, and state 

transportation departments. 

Figure 3-19. Runoff from construction sites with poor 

erosion control carries sediment and nutrients into 

municipal drainage systems and to Onondaga Lake. 

This is a major cause of non-point source pollution. 

Efforts to educate the construction industry about these 

impacts continue. (Source: Central New York Regional 


With funding provided by the NYSDEC, the 

OCSWCD purchased a hydroseeder and provides 

seeding and mulching services to NYSDOT, 

OCDOT, and individual municipalities within 

Onondaga County to reduce erosion along ditches 

and road embankments. In addition to controlling 

sediment, erosion control also prevents the transport 

of sediment-bound phosphorus to tributaries 

of Onondaga Lake. Since rural areas in Onondaga 

County frequently contain elevated phosphorus 

levels in agricultural soils with a history of nutrient 

application, the program appears to be an effective 

means of controlling phosphorus loading. The 

hydroseeding program is currently funded through 

2010 by a grant from the NYSDEC that pays for 

Page 82 


50 percent of the cost. The remaining 50 percent 

must be covered by local match dollars. OCSWCD 

intends to seek additional funding to continue the 

program beyond this timeframe. 


1. Identify funding to continue the existing hydroseeding 

program. 

The cost per acre for operation of the hydroseeder 

at the standard application rate is about $1300; 

generally 25 to 30 acres are stabilized on an annual 

basis for a cost of $32,000 to $39,000. OCSWCD 

will continue to make its existing hydroseeding 

services available to municipalities through grant 

monies, if available. Other funding options include 

the use of a shared funding agreement paid for by 

participating municipalities, or implementation of 

a fee-for-service based program. 

Action Strategy 5. Continue streambank 

stabilization program for sites identified 

through the USACE funding program. 

In 2000, the OCSWCD completed an inventory 

of streambank and roadbank erosion in Onondaga 

Creek watershed, identifying and prioritizing 

current erosion and sedimentation problems. 

This inventory was used by USACE to complete 

engineering plans and specifications for 38 reaches 

along Onondaga Creek in 2003. Construction of 

23 streambank stabilization projects, spanning a 

total of 3,755 linear feet, was funded by USACE 

and Onondaga County through a Rural Best Management 

Practices grant in 2004, 2006 and 2007. 

OCSWCD worked with the landowners affected 

by these projects, and managed the construction 

contracts. Program funds totaling approximately 1 

million dollars were exhausted before all identified 

problems could be addressed. Stabilization of the 

remaining 15 sites, which were considered lower 

in priority, was not feasible during the time the 

project was funded due to access restrictions and 

other practical matters. 


1. Update and prioritize the 2000 inventory of 

streambank and roadbank erosion sites. 

Additional funding is needed in order to build 

upon previous streambank and roadbank erosion 

inventory and repair work undertaken by USACE 

and OCSWCD. A new inventory of roadbanks and 

streambanks is needed, since additional sites may 

now exist, and minor erosion problems may have 

become more severe than they were previously. 

The cost of the inventory would be dependent 

on its scope and the criteria evaluated, but it is 

estimated to be up to $10,000 to complete work 

throughout the entire Onondaga Creek sub-basin. 

Modeling efforts may help determine the sediment 

load contribution from various subwatersheds, in 

order to prioritize the stream reaches and areas 

inventoried. 

2. Develop and implement remediation plans on 

priority sites. 

Additional funding would be needed to complete 

actual design and construction work on the identified 

priority sites, with the amount driven by the 

scope of the problems documented. Prioritization 

of projects would consider modeling results, in 

addition to the degree of property loss, damage 

to infrastructure, severity of erosion, and threat 

of flooding suffered. Once potential projects have 

been selected, acquisition of easements from 

private land owners is typically a necessary part of 

the process in order to allow access for construction. 

Periodic maintenance may also be required 

for streambank stabilization projects, particularly 

where vegetation establishment is involved. 

Action Strategy 6. Integrate the MS4 

Stormwater program into the OLP’s overall 

strategy to address non-point problems 

throughout Onondaga Lake Watershed, 

with a watershed-level focus on the six 

Minimum Control Measures, to control 


urban stormwater runoff of phosphorus 

and other pollutants. 

Under a federal mandate from the Clean Water 

Act, a number of urbanized municipalities and 

other government entities in the Onondaga Lake 

watershed are required to comply with State Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) 

General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from 

Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems 

(MS4s) (NYSDEC 2008c). The permit requires 

these regulated MS4s to control stormwater runoff 

by implementing a management program that 

incorporates the following six categories of activities, 

which are referred to as Minimum Control 

Measures: 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

•• 

Public Education and Outreach 

Public Involvement and Participation 

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 

Construction Site Runoff Control 

Post-Construction Stormwater Management 

•• Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping in 

Municipal Operations 

In addition to general stipulations of the permit 

that apply to all MS4s, regulated entities within the 

Onondaga Lake watershed are subject to heightened 

requirements specific to addressing the pollutant 

phosphorus. These requirements presently 

include the following: 

•• Education and outreach efforts must be conducted 

specific to phosphorus 

•• 

Development projects requiring construction 

permits must implement enhanced phosphorus 

removal criteria in designs for stormwater treatment 

•• A stormwater retrofit program, requiring 

municipalities to upgrade existing stormwater management 

practices and drainage systems for improved 

phosphorus removal, must be implemented through 

stakeholder-driven watershed planning efforts to 

reduce loading of the pollutant phosphorus to Onondaga 

Lake 

•• Municipalities are required to develop a turf management 

program controlling the use of phosphorus 

in fertilizer applications, and encouraging planting of 

native vegetation 

Because the MS4 Stormwater General Permit is 

periodically updated and modified by NYSDEC in 

compliance with EPA mandates, the above requirements 

will be subject to change. 


1. Consider proposed MS4 compliance projects in 

determining allocation of funding to the extent that 

they support lake rehabilitation objectives. 

Proposed projects and initiatives that address 

MS4 stormwater issues within the Onondaga Lake 

watershed should be eligible for consideration for 

federal funding if they contribute to the OLP’s 

goals and objectives. Although the MS4 Stormwater 

program had not been initiated at the time 

the original OLMP was approved, urban NPS pollution 

has since been recognized as an important 

contributor to the impairment of Onondaga Lake. 

Urban stormwater runoff is also one of the sources 

of phosphorus that will receive a specific allocation 

relative to the lake’s TMDL. 

Page 84 


Appendices 

Appendices: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies Page 85

Appendix A. Key project sites and locations in the Onondaga Lake area. 

Page 86 

Appendices: Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action Strategies

Appendix B. Preliminary budget needs to accomplish action strategies and 

recommendations. 

NOTE: The following preliminary budget needs reflect the best available information as of January 2010 and 

are not intended to represent a complete listing of all potential, probable, or necessary costs relative to the 

cleanup of Onondaga Lake. The cost figures reflected in this table are approximate and are subject to significant 

change as new information becomes available. 

Budget needs shown below are related to the action items and recommendations stated in Chapter 3 (Action Strategies). 

The intent of the table is to promote awareness of potential future funding needs. The information presented 

identifies both funds already allocated for ongoing and anticipated actions, and unfunded anticipated costs. As a 

result of the ongoing nature of many of the projects identified, and potential new developments or information that 

may affect the nature and scope of future project needs, it is not possible to provide project cost data or funding gaps 

for all proposed action items. 

KEY: 

Ongoing projects that are fully funded from sources already allocated 

Projects for which a responsible funding party has been designated, but for which Federal or State 

funding may also be utilized 

Ongoing projects with partial funding identified 

Future projects that presently have no available funds 

Proposed Action Item or Recommendation 

Strategic Area 1: Municipal Sewer Discharge 

Continue the Ambient Monitoring Program and 

adjust it as necessary on an annual basis in accordance 

with needs and available funds 

Complete modeling to develop Phosphorus TMDL 

for the Onondaga Lake watershed, and re-evaluate 

the Stage 3 Phosphorus criteria 

Preliminary Budget and/ 

or Funding Need 

$1.3 million to $1.4 million 

annually (funded for 

FFY 2010) 

$1.8 million funded to 

date, possible $700,000 

to $800,000 needed for 

additional studies 

Basis of Funding Amount 

Average annual cost of the program 

including biological monitoring costs 

also listed separately under Strategic 

Area 6 (subject to change in future due 

to ACJ-driven requirements; program 

assessment is ongoing) 

Approximate total costs for development 

of the Onondaga Lake Model, 

including Peer Review and additional 

studies / analyses required by the ACJ 

To the extent allowed by the ACJ, if Metro expansion 

or diversion is necessary, assess design alternatives 

that limit impacts to lakefront access 

To be determined pending development of final TMDL (to date, no 

expansion activity has been proposed) 

Strategic Area 2: Combined Sewer Overflows 

Develop green infrastructure options, evaluate 

volume reduction potential based on proposed projects, 

potential use, and status relative to the ACJ, and 

implement most feasible and effective options 

To be determined (dependent on green infrastructure practices and 

alternatives selected) 



Assess the amount of volume and flow to be treated 

by RTFs, and redesign and construct the facilities as 

mandated by the revised ACJ 

Implement education and outreach programs to 

encourage public awareness of green infrastructure’s 

purpose and advantages 

Assess sewer separation as means of CSO abatement, 

and proceed with sewer separation work as specified 

in the ACJ 

Expand the Microbial Trackdown program to address 

data gaps and potentially other 303(d) list tributaries 

for which pathogens are of concern, and identify 

sources 



To be determined 

$375,000 funded for 

FFY 2010(a); $200,000 

to $600,000 needed 

annually(b) 

To be determined 

$145,000 funded to date; 

an additional $210,000 

is available from EPA 

through NYSDEC (any 

additional funding need 

would be determined by 

changes to project scope) 


Initial funding approved by Onondaga 

County Legislature for six-month 

program (a); additional funding may 

be needed (b) 

Approximate funding need determined 

by OLP Project Committee 

Take action to address pathogen sources identified 

through Microbial Trackdown Program 

To de determined - dependent on the number and nature of sources 

identified 

Strategic Areas 3 and 4: Industrial Pollution – National Priorities List Site and Other Adjacent Areas of Concern 

Develop and implement cleanup plan and remedial design for the following: 

Onondaga Lake Bottom NPL sub-site $451 million 2005 Record of Decision identified 

cost 

Semet Ponds NPL sub-site 

Actual cost to be determined 

(2002 Record of 

Decision estimated $46 

million) 

Remedy is being reviewed due to 

recent indications that the amount of 

residue to be removed/treated is less 

than previously estimated 

Willis Avenue NPL sub-site 

To be determined pending issuance of Record of Decision 

LCP/Bridge Street NPL sub-site $14 million 2000 Record of Decision identified 

cost 

Wastebed B/Harbor Brook NPL sub-site 

To be determined pending issuance of Consent Order and Record of 

Decision 

Ley Creek PCB dredgings NPL sub-site $6.7 million Cost of cleanup activities, not including 

maintenance 

Inland Fisher Guide NPL sub-site 

Salina Town Landfill (implement final construction 

activities) 


Decision. 

$29.4 million 2009 identified construction cost (prepared 

at 50 percent complete design) 

Page 88 



Ninemile Creek/Geddes Brook floodplain soils/sediments. 

(Operable Unit 1) 



$18.9 million; $105,000 

annual maintenance 


2009 Record of Decision identified 

cost 

Ninemile Creek/Geddes Brook floodplain soils/sediments. 

(Operable Unit 2) 

Niagara Mohawk Manufactured Gas facility 

Wastebeds 1-8 

$16.5 million 2009 Record of Decision identified 

cost 


Decision. 


Decision. 

Strategic Area 5: Hydrogeologic Investigations 

Seek funding to accomplish mitigation of the Tully Valley mudboils (dependent on which of the three Options below is 

selected) 

Option 1: Discontinue all mudboil remedial activities, 

seal all depressurizing wells, and remove sediment 

dam at MDA 

Option 2: Continue mudboil maintenance and monitoring 

program by USGS using current methods 

Option 3: Implement enhanced mudboil stewardship 

through source control 

Implement basic mudboil maintenance program 

without monitoring (by OCSWCD). 

Provide financial and technical support for state, 

county, and town highway and transportation departments 

to ensure that regular maintenance of roadways 

in landslide-prone areas remains a priority 

Assess pilot study results to determine if they demonstrate 

a reduction in mudboil activity attributable to 

diversion of surface water 

Complete additional studies as necessary in support 

of development of source control methods to manage 

mudboil activity 

$150,000 ($165,000 available 

for FFY 2010) 

$210,000 annually 

($165,000 available for 

FFY 2010) 

$210,000 annually plus 

$620,000 one-time 

expense ($165,000 available 

for FFY 2010) 

$50,000 per year 

($165,000 available for 

FFY 2010) 

$15,000 to $25,000 per 

year 

$40,000 for current studies 

(fully funded) 

$500,000 to $2 million for 

additional studies, dependent 

on degree of success 

of pilot projects 

Approximate one-time cost determined 

by USGS 

Approximate average annual cost 

determined by USGS 

Approximate costs determined by 

USGS 


by OCSWCD 

Approximate annual labor and equipment 

costs determined by NYSDOT 

Assessment of pilot studies is being 

completed under existing USGS 

funding 


by USGS 

Continue and expand the existing USGS public 

outreach program 

$20,000 per year Approximate average annual cost 

based on past USGS efforts 



Strategic Area 6: Fisheries / Fish and Wildlife Habitat 




Complete Habitat Restoration Plan identifying specific 

habitat improvements to support use of the lake 

and its shoreline by target species 

Pursue water quality improvements to increase the 

probability of use of physical habitat in lower Onondaga 

Creek by coldwater fishes 

Improve habitat structure and composition in lower 

Ninemile Creek and Geddes Brook 

Establish Onondaga Lake as a priority habitat for lake 

sturgeon 

Part of NYSDEC/Honeywell Onondaga Lake Bottom NPL sub-site 

remediation efforts 

Relevant water quality improvements and associated monitoring are 

occurring related to Strategic Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 

Part of remediation of Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek area of the 

Onondaga Lake NPL site - see Strategic Areas 3 and 4 for more 

detail 

Cost part of NYSDEC operating expenses; depends on results of lake 

cleanup efforts and reinstatement of statewide lake sturgeon hatchery 

program 

Construct rearing habitat for walleye $20,000 to $30,000 Approximate cost to design and construct 

a shallow half-acre rearing pond 

as determined by NYSDEC 

Identify and implement habitat improvements to 

benefit Northern pike 

Part of NYSDEC/Honeywell International efforts to remediate 

Onondaga Lake NPL site habitat for representative species (includes 

Northern pike) 

Continue current biological monitoring program to 

fulfill ACJ requirements, and tailor long-term biological 

monitoring program to meet ecological data needs 

Continue annual assessments of macrophyte cover in 

order to direct efforts toward maintaining optimum 

levels 

$110,000 for annual 

fisheries/zebra mussel 

program, $40,000 for lake 

macroinvertebrate program 

every five years 

Annual flight survey 

$22,000; littoral zone 

survey $32,000 every five 

years 

Approximate cost as determined by 

OCDWEP (cost varies significantly 

depending on repair or replacement of 

support equipment, sampling gear, and 

computer software/hardware) 

Approximate cost as determined by 

OCDWEP (cost varies significantly 

depending on repair or replacement of 

support equipment, sampling gear, and 

computer software/hardware) 

Evaluate the need for programs to monitor fish populations 

in the outlet and tributaries of Onondaga Lake 

as part of Fisheries Management planning efforts 

Reassess fish contaminant levels and advisories after 

completion of industrial pollution cleanup 

Complete immediate maintenance requirements 

as necessary to restore project function of habitat 

module and wetlands hydrologic connection project 

Total cost dependent on scope of program (if any) and research 

needs, which are not yet determined 

Part of NYSDOH general operations; no outside cost incurred - any 

re-assessment would occur beyond year 2017 

$8,000 to $10,000 per year Approximate cost determined by 


Environmental Health for short-term 

maintenance needs 

Page 90 






Review wetland project proposal/design for longterm 

maintenance expectations, and redesign and 

reconstruct the project to reduce maintenance needs 

Initiate implementation of appropriate and feasible 

OCCRP recommended pilot projects 

Utilize existing and new outreach resources to educate 

the public about the natural history of Onondaga 

Lake 

Educate the public about removal of non-native 

invasive species from watercraft to prevent their 

proliferation and range expansion 

Determine whether modeling efforts and other studies 

conducted in support of the TMDL indicate the 

potential for dissolved oxygen levels in the hypolimnion 

during the summer months to recover to levels 

that fully support a coldwater fishery 

$15,000 to $20,000 Approximate cost determined by 


Environmental Health for re-design 

and replacement of substrate - any 

additional modifications would incur 

additional costs 

Cost dependent on projects pursued 

To be determined; the OLP Outreach Committee is not currently 

funded to implement this recommendation - additional outreach 

funds are required 




Costs covered through completed and proposed TMDL modeling 

work - see Strategic Area 1 

Strategic Area 7: Inner Harbor and Shoreline 

Complete new trail section across Ninemile Creek to 

provide access from Lakeland and Geddes 

$3.5 million (already 

funded) 


Parks and Recreation calculation 

Design and complete remaining sections of the Loopthe-Lake 

Trail 

$50 to $60 million Preliminary approximate cost as determined 

by Onondaga County Parks and 

Recreation; subject to change depending 

on alternatives selected 

Complete Onondaga Creekwalk and connect to Loopthe-Lake 

and Erie Canalway Trails 

$25 to $30 million ($6.5 

million presently identified 

for Phase I) 

Approximate cost as determined 

by city of Syracuse Department of 

Engineering 

Complete investigatory work for the development 

of a boat launch and fishing access site on the west 

shore of the lake, and implement plans if feasible, 

pending completion of industrial remediation work 

To be determined - investigatory work to be performed in accordance 

with the NYSDEC Superfund program requirements 

Upgrade existing marina at Onondaga Lake Park $450,000 (already funded) Onondaga County cost calculation 

Ensure that the proposal selected in response to the 

new RFP for the Inner Harbor is consistent with 

approved Lakefront Area zoning, public access and 

lake management objectives 

None 

Cost included in city of Syracuse and 

LDC regular functions/duties; no 

external funding is necessary 



Complete the required process for “No Discharge 

Zone” review and designation 



None 


Cost included in NYSDEC’s regular 

functions; external funding not needed 

Evaluate success of non-point source and mudboil 

management efforts as part of the basis for decisions 

concerning dredging 

Provide information for inclusion in the design of 

tourism-focused publications on the Lake and Inner 

Harbor, and encourage circulation 

Evaluation of mudboil management efforts by USGS is taking place 

in association with efforts in Strategic Area 5; evaluation of nonpoint 

source pollution control efforts is covered through monitoring 

and modeling programs under Strategic Area 8 




Strategic Area 8: Non-Point Source Pollution Control 

Implement BMPs on farms that have completed the 

planning process, and evaluate BMP effectiveness. 

Continue AEM on farms that have entered initial 

resource inventory/planning phases 

$3 million total; $165,000 

annually (program has 

partial funding for FFY 

2010) 

Approximate costs determined by 

OCSWCD 

Calibrate existing Onondaga Lake Surface Water 

Watershed Model with AMP data, and develop and 

implement model scenarios to provide a framework 

for interpreting watershed conditions 

Use calibrated Surface Water Watershed Model to 

evaluate loading of water quality parameters and 

identify sites for implementation of BMPs 

Continue and expand ongoing urban NPS public 

education efforts in the Onondaga Lake watershed 

through the authorized duration of the OLP 

$178,000 (fully funded) Total project cost (USGS) 

The use of the model will be on an ongoing basis by various partners 

in association with other projects; an additional specific funding 

request is not applicable 




Continue the existing hydroseeding program 

$32,000 to $39,000 per 

year 

OCSWCD cost calculation based on 

$1,300 per acre stabilized, 25 to 30 

acres currently stabilized per year 

Update and prioritize the 2000 inventory of streambank 

and roadbank erosion sites 

Develop and implement remediation plans on priority 

sites. 

Consider proposed MS4 compliance projects in 

determining allocation of funding 

$2,000 to $10,000 Approximate cost determined by 

OCSWCD - dependent on scope of 

assessment and area investigated 

$700,000 to $1.2 million Approximate cost determined by 

OCSWCD - assumes program of similar 

scope to previous ($1 million) 

Cost would depend upon the program or project under consideration; 

no cost necessary to remain cognizant of funding opportunities 

Page 92 


Appendix C. Glossary. 

Amended Consent Judgment (ACJ) – legal settlement between Atlantic States Legal Foundation (ASLF), 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and Onondaga County requiring 

the County to improve its systems for collection and treatment of sanitary sewage so that they do not 

contribute to a violation of water quality standards under the New York Environmental Conservation Law 

and the U.S. Clean Water Act. 

Anoxic - containing no, or greatly depleted levels, of dissolved oxygen. 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) – methods that have been determined to be the most effective, practical 

means of preventing or reducing non-point source pollution. 

Brine field – area in which injection wells for solution mining of salt minerals were installed in the past. 

Capping – the placement of clean stone or sediment over areas of minor contamination to lessen exposure 

to the environment. 

Coldwater fish – fish species that cannot survive in water temperatures above about 60 to 65 degrees 

Fahrenheit or higher (exact tolerance range varies by species) due to the depletion of dissolved oxygen that 

occurs with rising temperature; examples include Atlantic salmon, cisco (whitefish), and most species of 

trout. 

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) – discharges of untreated wastewater consisting of a combination of 

stormwater and sanitary sewage into bodies of water, occurring during large precipitation events. These 

discharges occur when both stormwater and sanitary sewage are carried in a single network of pipes or 

conveyances known as a combined sewer. 

Coolwater fish – fish species that tolerate warmer water conditions than the coldwater fish but avoid 

extremely warm conditions; examples include pike, perch, sturgeon, and smallmouth bass. 

Depressurizing well – wells drilled in strategic locations to remove groundwater, lessening artesian pressure 

in the underlying aquifer (subsurface layer of material containing groundwater) thereby reducing 

discharge from hydrologically connected mudboils. 

Dredging – removal of accumulated sediment from the bottom of a body of water using mechanical excavation, 

pumping of material in solution (hydraulic dredging), or other similar methods. 

Effluent limit – highest acceptable level or concentration of a given pollutant in the discharge from a regulated 

point source facility, expressed relative to a specific time period or measurement frequency. 

Epilimnion – the zone of relatively warm water in a thermally stratified (layered) lake that lies above the 

thermocline (depth at which temperature changes sharply), in which mixing occurs as a result of wind 

action and convection currents; contrast to hypolimnion. 

Fishery – the populations and species of fish in a body of water from the perspective of management for 

recreational and/or consumptive use by humans. 


Fish community – the populations and species of fish in a body of water from the perspective of their 

intrinsic value to an aquatic ecosystem. 

Floatables – trash and debris that are carried by stormwater and combined sewer overflows to Onondaga 

Lake as pollutants. 

Floatables Control Facility (FCF) – engineered structures and/or equipment designed to capture and 

remove floating debris, including trash, waste matter, and other objects, from sewer discharges using net 

bags, screens, or other devices. 

Gray infrastructure – term used to describe the use of conveyances, regional treatment facilities, and traditional 

constructed or engineered structures for CSO abatement. 

Green infrastructure – term used to describe the concept of utilizing naturally occurring or human-made 

features, such as vegetated areas, to reduce runoff volume by capturing and retaining precipitation onsite, 

returning it directly to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, or allowing it to infiltrate through the 

soil to the groundwater table. 

Hydroseeding – a method for establishing vegetation (typically grass cover) in which a mixture of seed 

and organic mulch, often combined with a bonding agent or tackifier and sometimes fertilizer, is broadcast 

in a liquid solution through a pressure hose and other specialized equipment. 

Hypolimnion – the layer of water in a thermally stratified (layered) lake that lies below the thermocline 

(depth at which temperature changes sharply), is non-circulating, and remains perpetually cold; contrast to 

epilimnion. 

Inner Harbor – basin at the south end of Onondaga Lake immediately north of the mouth of Onondaga 

Creek that previously operated as a commercial port for industrial trade and is now a focal point for waterfront 

redevelopment in the city of Syracuse. 

Isolation capping – type of capping that involves the use of a thicker layer of stone (contrast to thin-layer 

capping) to completely block exposure of the underlying material to the surrounding environment. 

Leachate – a liquid product or solution created by the percolation of water through a layer of contaminated 

material, during which the water accumulates pollutants by interacting chemically with the material. 

Littoral zone – portions of Onondaga Lake where the water depth ranges from 0 to 9 meters (0 to 30 feet). 

Macrophyte – rooted, submerged, and floating aquatic vegetation, not including algae. 

Mercury – a toxic, elemental heavy metal that is a component of many manufactured items and industrial 

processes, and is typically introduced to bodies of water by human activity. 

Methylmercury – a compound of mercury that is formed from elemental mercury when dissolved oxygen 

in the lake is depleted through the action of anaerobic bacteria. Methylmercury is a much greater threat 

to living things since it is more toxic. It is also more mobile in the lake, and as such, can be ingested and 

absorbed into biological tissue. 

Page 94 


Mudboil/Depression Area (MDA) – area that has in recent history contained the greatest degree of mudboil 

activity and land subsidence, at which numerous control practices have been installed. 

Mudboils – geologic features that discharge turbid, fresh to saline groundwater at the land surface, typically 

acquiring and transporting large loads of suspended sediment. 

National Priorities List (NPL) – a list of industrial sites named by the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency as national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, 

pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories that are subject to cleanup under 

the “Superfund” program established through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation 

and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). 

Nitrification – the biological transformation of ammonia into nitrites through reaction with oxygen, followed 

by further oxidation of nitrites into nitrates. A process is currently under study that may discourage 

the formation of methylmercury in Onondaga Lake by introducing nitrate to anoxic parts of the lake. Since 

bacteria that transform mercury to methylmercury can also use nitrate in respiration, the study will evaluate 

whether these bacteria prefer nitrate to mercury, and if so, determine whether the formation of methylmercury 

will decrease if a sufficient source of nitrate is available. 

Non-point source (NPS) pollution – pollution that originates from diffuse sources dispersed across the 

landscape rather than from a single defined point such as an outflow pipe. 

Oncolites – calcium carbonate stones lining parts of the shore and shallow-water areas of Onondaga Lake 

that are a by-product of carbonate-rich waste discharges associated with the soda ash production process. 

Phosphorus – a chemical element commonly present in bodies of water in dissolved form and as organic 

and inorganic compounds, which at high levels can lead to poor water quality and severe algal blooms that 

upon decomposition produce conditions of low dissolved oxygen. 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – synthetic organic chemicals which, until being banned in 1979, were 

used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications such as electrical and hydraulic equipment, oilbased 

paints, plastics and rubber products. 

Regional Treatment Facility (RTF) – engineered structural facilities that capture flow from sewersheds 

subject to CSOs and remove floatables, nutrients, and other pollutants either by providing storage of the 

overflow volume itself or by passing the discharge through a treatment unit in the facility. 

Sewer separation – the process of converting a combined sewer that transports both stormwater runoff and 

municipal sewage into two separate conveyances, one of which carries only sanitary sewage and the other 

of which carries solely stormwater runoff. 

Sewershed – the geographic area from which flow is captured by a given network of sewers with a 

common outlet. 

Smolts – salmon offspring that are in their second year of life. 

Solution mining – the process of extracting salt or other minerals from bedrock by injecting water via wells 

into underground salt layers to dissolve the material, forming a void space in the salt deposit. The solution 


of salt brine filling the void is pumped to the surface and piped to a facility where water is evaporated, or 

other chemical processes are employed, to obtain desired mineral products. 

Solvay waste beds – deposits of waste material from industrial processes, particularly the production of 

soda ash by the Solvay Process Company, that occupy hundreds of acres of land west of Onondaga Lake 

in the towns of Geddes and Camillus and the city of Syracuse. The waste is high in salinity and numerous 

other contaminants, and has caused increases in chloride, sodium, and calcium levels in the lake. 

Stoplog – a board or similar device used to control the water level in an area of ponding. 

Stormwater – rainwater and snowmelt that runs off the surface into sewers, drainage systems, and ultimately 

into bodies of water. 

Stratification – a process in which lakes in temperate latitudes form distinct layers, marked by prominent 

temperature differences, during the summer and winter months. 

Sub-site – a portion of a designated NPL site that contributes pollution to the larger site but can be treated 

as a single unit for the purposes of cleanup or remediation. 

Substrate – mineral and organic materials occupying the bottom surface of a body of water that provide 

habitat for organisms. 

Thin-layer capping – type of capping involving a relatively thin layer of material (contrast to isolation capping) 

that is used over less polluted sediments where natural recovery may be possible through processes 

such as sediment accumulation atop the cap. 

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body 

of water can receive and still maintain water quality standards, including an allocation of that load to the 

various sources of the pollutant. 

Warmwater fish – fish species that are the most tolerant of high water temperatures, such as largemouth 

bass as well as most sunfish and catfish. 

Page 96 


Appendix D. Literature cited. 

Atlantic States Legal Foundation, State of New York and John P. Cahill, as Commissioner of the New York 

State Department of Environmental Conservation v. The Onondaga County Department of Drainage 

and Sanitation and Onondaga County, New York. 88-CV-0066. 1997. 

City of Syracuse. 2008. “Creekwalk Trail.” http://www.syracuse.ny.us/Creekwalk_Trail.aspx. Accessed 

April 28, 2008. 

City of Syracuse. 2004. Lakefront Zoning Districts. City of Syracuse Zoning Code Part B, Section IX, 

Articles 1 through 6. 

City of Syracuse. 2002. Lakefront Area Master Plan. 

Coghlan, S.M. Jr. and Ringler, N.H. 2005. Survival and bioenergetic responses of juvenile Atlantic 

salmon along a perturbation gradient in a natural stream. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 14: 111-124. 

Coon, W. F. and Reddy, J. E. 2008. Hydrologic and Water-Quality Characterization and Modeling of the 

Onondaga Lake Basin, Onondaga County, New York. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations 

Report 2008-5013. 

Duffett, C. 2005. “Inner Harbor Poised for Private Development.” CNY Business Journal, July 2005. 

Kappel, W. M., 2009. Remediation of Mudboil Discharges in the Tully Valley of Central New York: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open File Report 2009-1173, 8p. 

Kappel, W. M. and McPherson, W. S. 1998. Remediation of Mudboil Discharges in the Tully Valley of 

Central New York: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 143-97. 

Kappel, W. M., Sherwood, D. A., and Johnston, W. H. 1996. Hydrogeology of the Tully Valley and 

Characterization of Mudboil Activity, Onondaga County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water- 

Resources Investigations Report 96-4043. 

Lakefront Development Corporation. 2000. “Syracuse Skyline Changes as Oil Tanks Come Down.” 

Lakefront Today, Winter 2000. 

Landers, J. 2007. “Cleaning-up the most polluted lake in the US.” Engineering World, February/March 

2007: 2. 

Lizlovs, S. 2005. “Industrial Waste Contamination: Past, Present, and Future.” Clearwaters, Volume 35, 

Issue 2. 

Lucky Craft. 2008. “Team Luckycraft Tour Journal.” 

Mobil Oil Corporation v. Syracuse Industrial Development Agency, 76 NY2d 428, 559 NE2d 641, 559 

NYS2d 947. 1990. 


Moffa & Associates. 2002. Onondaga Lake Nonpoint Source Environmental Benefit Project. Submitted 

to Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, November 2002. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). 2009. Citizen Participation Plan 

for the Onondaga Lake Bottom Subsite Remedial Design Program. 

NYSDEC. 2008a. “Interim Remedial Measures (IRM) Fact Sheet.” http://www.dec.ny.gov/ 

chemical/8659.html (accessed June 2, 2008). 

NYSDEC. 2008b. The Final New York State 2008 Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters Requiring a 

TMDL/Other Strategy, May 26, 2008. 

NYSDEC. 2008c. SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm 

Sewer Systems (MS4s). Permit No. GP-0-08-002. Effective May 1, 2008. 

NYSDEC. 1997. Record of Decision. Ley Creek PCB Dredgings Inactive Hazardous Waste Site. Town 

of Salina, Onondaga County, NY. Site Number 7-34-044. 

NYSDEC and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2009a. Record of Decision. Operable Unit 

1 of the Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek Site Operable Unit of the Onondaga Lake Superfund Site. 

Onondaga County, New York. 

NYSDEC and. EPA. 2009b. Record of Decision. Operable Unit 2 of the Geddes Brook/Ninemile Creek 

Site Operable Unit of the Onondaga Lake Superfund Site, Onondaga County, New York. 

NYSDEC and EPA. 2007. Record of Decision. Town of Salina Landfill Site. Sub-site to the Onondaga 

Lake NPL Site. Town of Salina, Onondaga County. Site Number 7-34-036. 

NYSDEC and EPA. 2005. Record of Decision. Onondaga Lake Bottom Subsite of the Onondaga Lake 

Superfund Site. Towns of Geddes and Salina, Villages of Solvay and Liverpool, and City of Syracuse, 

Onondaga County, New York. Superfund Site ID # NYD986913580. 

NYSDEC and EPA. 2002. Record of Decision, Semet Residue Ponds Site Sub-site of the Onondaga Lake 

Superfund Site, Town of Geddes, Onondaga County. Superfund Site ID # NYD095586376. 

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). 2007. Chemicals in Sportfish and Game 2007-2008 

Health Advisories. 

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. 2007. Agricultural Environmental Management 

2006-2007 Annual Report. Produced by Barbara Silvestri. 

Onondaga County Parks Department. 2009. Onondaga Lake Special Event Water Quality Protocol. 

Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (OCDWEP). 2009. Onondaga Lake: 

Progress Report 2008. 

OCDWEP. 2007(a). Onondaga Lake Fishery 2006 Fact Sheet. 

OCDWEP. 2007 (b). Onondaga Lake: Progress Report 2006. 

Page 98 


OCDWEP. 2006. Onondaga Lake Ambient Monitoring Program 1998-2012, Program Summary. 

OCDWEP. 2003. Onondaga Lake Monitoring Program 2002 Annual Report. 

Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD). 1994. Onondaga Lake Non- 

Point Source Information and Education Program and Best Management Practices Implementation 

Demonstration. 

OCSWCD. 1993. Onondaga Lake Watershed, Rural Nonpoint Source Management Plan. 

Onondaga Environmental Institute. 2009. Onondaga Creek Conceptual Revitalization Plan. Draft 3, April 

2009. 

Onondaga Environmental Institute. 2008. Permanent Habitat Module: Littoral Zone Improvement 

Wetland Connection Projects. http://www.onondagaenvironmentalinstitute.org/OEIProgram_ 

PermanentHabitatModule.html (accessed September 16, 2009). 

Onondaga Lake Cleanup Corporation (OLCC). 2001. The State of Onondaga Lake. 

Onondaga Lake Management Conference. 1993. Onondaga Lake, A Plan for Action. 

Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP). 2008. Tully Valley Mudboils: Long-Term Management Needs. 

OLP. 2007. Rural Nonpoint Source Pollution Best Management Practices (BMP) Roadbank/Streambank 

Construction. 

OLP. 2003. Restoring Onondaga Lake: Habitat Improvement. http://www.onlakepartners.org/ppdf/ 

p1509c.pdf (accessed September 16, 2009). 

Pair, D. L., Kappel, W. M., and Walker, M. S. 2000. History of Landslides at the Base of Bare Mountain, 

Tully Valley, Onondaga County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 190-99. 

Parsons. 2009a. Onondaga Lake: Remedial Design Elements for Habitat Restoration (DRAFT). Prepared 

for Honeywell International. 

Parsons. 2009b. Remedial Design Work Plan for the Onondaga Lake Bottom Subsite. Prepared for Honeywell 

International. 

State of New York and Denise M. Sheehan as Trustee of Natural Resources v. Honeywell International, Inc. 

89-CV-00815. October 11, 2006. 

United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1999. Ecological Status of Onondaga Creek in Tully Valley, 

New York - Summer 1998. Fact Sheet FS 141-99. 


Appendix E. Status of Amended Consent Judgment projects. 

Start Date Project Status 

1998 General Improvements 

Odor Control and Residuals Handling 

Digital Systems Upgrade 

Ammonia Removal Demonstration 

Aeration System Upgrade 

Hiawatha Regional Treatment Facility 

Newell Street RTF Demonstration/Improvements 

Maltbie Street Regional Treatment Facility 

Siphon Rehabilitation 

1999 Digester Modifications/Chemical Storage 

Franklin Street Floatables Control Facility 

West Street Sewer Separation 

Ammonia Trackdown 

2000 Midland Avenue Conveyance Phase I 

Phosphorus Removal – Phase I Pilot 

2001 Erie Boulevard Storage System Upgrade 

Stage II Phosphorus Removal 

Kirkpatrick Street Pump Station and Force Main 

Onondaga Creek Floatables Control Facility 

Teall Brook Floatables Control Facility 

Water Street Sewer Separation (CSO 024) 

2002 Harbor Brook Floatables Control Facility 

Brighton Avenue Sewer Separation (CSO 053/054) 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Page 100 


Start Date Project Status 

2004 Full Scale Ammonia Removal 

Tallman/Onondaga Sewer Separation (CSO 038, 046A, 046B) 

Midland Phase II RTF/Conveyances 

2005 Phosphorus Removal – Phase II Pilot 

Biosolids Handling Improvements 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

Complete 

2006 Sewer Separation (CSO 047 & 048) Complete 

2007 Sewer Separation (CSO 050) 

Clinton Phase I Conveyances 

Complete 

Complete 

2008 Clinton Phase II Conveyances Complete 

2009 Sewer Separation (CSO 051) Underway 

Estimated 2010 Sewer Separation (CSO 022) 

Green Infrastructure Projects (Various) 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Estimated 2011 

Estimated 2012-2013 

Connection of CSO 044 to Midland RTF 

Erie Boulevard Storage System Gate Chamber Modification 


Clinton Storage Facility at Trolley Lot 

Harbor Brook State Fair Boulevard Storage Facility 

Harbor Brook Interceptor Replacement 


Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Anticipated 

Estimated 2014-2018 Green Infrastructure Projects (Various) Anticipated 

(Source: OCDWEP)

Onondaga Lake Watershed Progress Assessment and Action ...

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